After years operating out of the Sheboygan Police Department, the new center in Sheboygan has been established in the Uptown Social building on North 8th Street as part of an expanding regional network that now serves Ozaukee, Washington, Sheboygan and Manitowoc Counties. Last year alone more than 600 children and families were served by the organization, with 40 percent of those cases coming from Sheboygan County.
LRCAC Executive Director Amanda Didier Addresses the Audience as Sheboygan Mayor Ryan Sorenson and Governor Tony Evers Look on. Photo Courtesy of the LRCAC
Amanda Didier is the Executive Director of the Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center, who emphasized what the new center means for those caught in a domestic abuse situation, saying: “Having a space like this enables children and parents to both receive the kind of support they need to heal, and our programming is designed not only to offer trauma-informed support that is focused on that healing, but we also promote the legally-sound investigative practices that lead to successful prosecution.”
Governor Evers Addresses the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony of the Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center in Sheboygan on Thursday. Photo Courtesy of the LRCAC
The scope of the problem is something that was on the mind of another guest at the event, Governor Tony Evers, who praised the Child Advocacy Center’s role in addressing domestic abuse. “I have to say this out loud: One out of six domestic violence homicides in the United States is committed in Wisconsin. We’re two percent of the population, folks…one in six. But in connecting the dots across school districts, local governments, law enforcement, nonprofits and advocacy organizations, we can ensure that we’re building a safer and stronger Wisconsin for everybody, but most importantly for our kids.”
Establishing the new facility hasn’t been easy; a fundraising campaign was able to provide much of the $2.5 million needed, and with only $250,000 remaining, the LRCAC is inviting community members to help close the gap. Those wishing to make a donation in any amount can do so online at www.lakeshorecac.org.
Comments