Wisconsin's 16th child advocacy center is now open in Sheboygan, serving thousands of families impacted by sexual abuse, violence
SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- For 10 years, the Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center (LRCAC) in Saukville has served more than 4,000 children and families who have experienced abuse or trauma.
On Thursday, March 27, dozens gathered in Sheboygan to celebrate the grand opening of the center's newest location -- marking the 16th child advocacy center in the state.
According to Governor Tony Evers, who attended the opening, "one out of six domestic violence homicides in the United States" happen in Wisconsin.
Last year, 40% of the center's cases came from Sheboygan County, alerting officials of the high need.
“Having something in their city or as close by as possible, they don’t have to travel long distance, is huge," said Sheboygan LRCAC Manager Beth Heilman, who said this opening is a long time coming.
“I never thought that I’d be in this position," Heilman said. “You are bringing in people that could be very well on the worst day of their life.”
The center helps those impacted by child sexual abuse, sex trafficking, violence, and more -- and it's something she herself knows too well, after her child was sexually assaulted nearly eight years ago.
"It kind of stopped my world," Heilman recalled.
But thanks to the help she and her family received from the advocacy center, Heilman said she "knew that it was going to be okay."
“We have decided that we aren’t going to be victims, we’re going to give back and that’s what we’ve been doing ever since," Heilman said.
Officials said this was made possible to generous donors.
“This center is a lifeline for children in crisis,” said Amanda Didier, Executive Director of LRCAC. “Every child who walks through our doors deserves to be heard, supported, and protected. With this expansion, we can reach more children, provide faster interventions, and work alongside law enforcement and social services to ensure families receive the care they need.”