Zoey's Place

L-R:  Louise Thompson, Board member; Marciann McClarnon-Miller, Board Member;  Brent Eaton, Hancock County Prosecutor; and Detective Bridget Foy, Hancock County Sherriffs Office

 

Zoey’s Place, a Child Advocacy Center, recently received a grant of $25,000 from State Farm Insurance that will help with the startup costs for the not-for-profit.   Bridget Foy, Detective with the Hancock County Sheriffs office spoke to Kiwanis about the center which would help children and victims of abuse to be in a friendlier environment than the lobby of a police station or a prosecutor’s office. 

Foy has 29 years of law enforcement experience and is currently an investigator.  She works with Hancock County Prosecutor, Brent Eaton who also shares Foy’s vision for Zoey’s Place.  The mission of Zoey’s Place is to minimize the trauma to child victims of sexual abuse and neglect by providing a centralized, safe and child-friendly facility where a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) conducts investigations and intervention activities.

The name came from Zoey Wagner,  a 1-year-old, who died three years ago after a short life marred by physical abuse.  Prosecutor Eaton explained that after the incident, officials pleaded with the public that if they saw something to say something.  The public responded and the number of calls about child abuse and neglect soared.   

Zoey’s Place Board members, Lousie Thompson and Marciann McClarnon-Miller, were also present.  Thompson mentioned that she was amazed at the number of incidents reported and investigated.  For additional information on how to help or donate to Zoey’s Place, contact Detective Foy at bfoy@hancockcoingov.org or call 317.477.1178 x3118.