Susie's Place cuts the ribbon at its new location

Apr. 3—A nonprofit that assists in child abuse investigations has been able to make its new location more warm and comforting through a grant from a Terre Haute business.

Susie's Place Child Advocacy Center conducted a ribbon-cutting for its new location at 103 S. Third St. across from the Vigo County Courthouse.

Susie's Place does forensic interviews, victim advocacy and prevention education.

While Susie's Place made the move last year, it's continued working on construction and on Wednesday celebrated a $10,000 grant from Amcor that enabled it to furnish a child-friendly family waiting room.

When reported child abuse victims come to Susie's Place to talk about their experiences, the family waiting room is the first step in the door as the investigation begins, said Lynn Clinton, Susie's Place associate director.

The room includes comfortable furniture, stuffed animals, and artwork or signs with supportive messages, such as, "Everyone is welcome here."

"It is warm, inviting, comforting and hopefully gives them that feeling we are all in this together, and we'll be able to help them," Clinton said.

Susie's Place was previously located downtown on Wabash Avenue. The new location provides more space and on-site parking.

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, and Clinton said it is a problem in the community and surrounding counties.

"It is shocking to most people to know the numbers. Susie's Place has done over 300 forensic interviews this year alone. That's only in three months," Clinton said.

Vigo and surrounding counties rank among the highest in the state in numbers of reports of abuse to the Department of Child Services hotline, she said.

"The fact we can provide this service for Vigo and surrounding counties has been huge for the community and we're thrilled that community partners like Amcor step up and help us through the process," she said.

Andy Meyerhofer, Amcor plant manager, said of the company's grant, "Our employees are hugely passionate about protecting the vulnerable." Susie's Place was chosen to ensure "we had a real impact on the Terre Haute community."

Adjoining the family waiting room is a room designed for younger children, complete with a smaller entrance door as well as plenty of games and toys that include a popular play kitchen and dollhouse.

The Third Street location has two interview rooms, observation rooms, offices and an area to provide children with clothes, backpacks and hygiene items if they are being removed from their homes.

"Rapport really builds with families and kids from the moment they walk in the door. So it's so important to have our first impression be the best impression," said Kaitlyn Pratt, forensic interviewer.

She added, "It helps me do my job when families come here and feel immediately comfortable. I'm able to start that process of healing as soon as they come in."

Over 80% of cases brought to Susie's Place are reported sexual abuse, with the remaining 20% of cases being reported physical abuse, neglect, witness to violent crime and drug endangerment.

The agency works with young people under 18. Pratt said the youngest child she has interviewed was 2 years old.

Susie's Place has other locations in Avon and Bloomington.

Sue Loughlin can be reached at 812-231-4235 or at sue.loughlin@tribstar.com. Follow Sue on X at @TribStarSue.