TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – A local advocacy center for children is moving to a new location for expansion thanks to a large donation and donating-matching event with Wabash Valley Community Foundation.

The new location of Susie’s Place Child Advocacy Center will be about a block south of the Vigo County Courthouse at 103 South 3rd Street. This new location provides safe and private spaces for kids and families as well as improved access for families and partner agencies.

Due to the donation matching event going on now through May 16, any donations made to Susie’s Place will be matched up to $35,000, doubling their impact.

“Since opening in 2017, we’ve served thousands of children and their families at Susie’s Place,”
said Emily Perry, Executive Director. “But we’ve simply run out of space. Our staff has grown to include more forensic interviewers and victim advocates, and more law enforcement agencies use our services than ever before.”

Along with significant facility expansion, the new location will include on-site parking, large private waiting rooms for families, and separate private entrances for families and partner agencies. Perry states that being involved in investigations regarding child abuse or violence can be scary and overwhelming, so it’s crucial that they can provide a comfortable and private space for children and families to receive the services needed.

Those interested can tour the proposed space virtually, learn more about forensic interviews after a crime is committed against a child, and donate at susiesplace.org.