FORTVILLE — In January, Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation’s (MVCSC) Superintendent Dr. Jack Parker and Assistant Superintendent Mr. Chris Smedley visited Zoey’s Place Child Advocacy Center to learn more about the vital services the organization provides to children across Hancock County — including Mt. Vernon students. Moved by the center’s mission and impact, they returned inspired to take action and rally support for the organization. MVCSC staff started the “Have a Heart for Zoey” campaign that would collectively donate $1,500 for Zoey’s Place Child Advocacy Center.
The staff-led initiative was designed to raise awareness and collect donations for Zoey’s Place, which supports children and families affected by abuse, neglect, sexual assault, or other crimes. Staff were encouraged to donate a dollar to the cause.
Zoey’s Place is one of Indiana’s newest Child Advocacy Centers. Established in 2016, the center was created to improve the process of investigating child abuse cases in Hancock County. Its initial goal was to streamline the process for child victims to share their experiences — allowing them to tell their story once, in one safe space, with all key stakeholders present.
Since then, Zoey’s Place has evolved into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a broader mission: to minimize trauma for child victims of abuse and violence. They achieve this through a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) approach that brings together law enforcement, child services, legal teams, medical professionals, and advocates. The center provides a neutral, safe, and supportive space for forensic interviews, family advocacy, and prevention education. For more information about Zoey’s Place, visit https://zoeysplacecac.org/
The campaign concluded on February 28, raising an impressive $1,500 from MVCSC staff — more than doubling the original $600 goal.
