Blue and silver pinwheels spun in the brisk breeze outside Whiteside County’s April House, a Child Advocacy Center, at 501 N. Madison Street, Morrison, IL, on Friday afternoon, April 13, 2018. April is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Blue is the color to wear to show your support.
Executive Director Carrie Melton noted, “Nineteen years ago this week, two boys were biking along the Hennepin Canal. They discovered a deceased, seven-pound, female, baby who had been abandoned. The anonymous child was nicknamed ‘April Whiteside’ by Law Enforcement.” April House came from that name. The mother served seven years in jail.
Melton said, “Since July 1, 2017, April House has served 314 children and their non-offending caregivers.” As to that number, “It’s pretty constant,” she added. “One-in-four girls and one-in-six boys will be affected by abuse in their lifetime. We’re able to serve more hours, now that we have more staff. Our program and services are more comprehensive. There will be a 2018 fundraiser” to support April House.
She invited professionals involved in child abuse or neglect cases to share a few words of support and welcomed others to speak as well.
Whiteside County State’s Attorney Terry Costello: “What a treasure April House is to our County! Children can come [here to] tell their stories and get the help they need.” He wanted to tell children, “Don’t keep [abuse] a secret. Tell a parent, teacher, friend, or Policeman. We all want to provide the help you need.”
Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Kris Schmidt: “I want to thank April House for everything they do.” He recalled a case that has stayed with him after several years. He rescued a seven-year-old boy, being kept in a dog crate by his abusive father. “All [this child] had to sleep on was a wash cloth.” I have stayed in touch with that young man,” who lives in Whiteside County and is doing well. “April House is a great facility for Law Enforcement help. We need to take care of our silent victims.”
Albany, IL, Chief of Police Wyatt Heyvaert: “This is my 17th year in Law Enforcement. These cases are never easy, for all involved. Teamwork and advocacy in Whiteside County” is an asset.
Shortly after 12:15 p.m., supporters of Pinwheels for Prevention planted the landscaped bed on the east side of the building. Left-to-right are Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Kris Schmidt; Whiteside County State’s Attorney Terry Costello; April House Forensic Interviewer Lisa Zacharski and her mother, Donna Gericke; April House Executive Director Carrie Melton; April House Advocate Diane Heath.
Shown left-to-right, front, are Morrison Chief of Police Brian Melton; Whiteside County State’s Attorney Terry Costello; April House Executive Director Carrie Melton; Albany, IL, Chief of Police Wyatt Heyvaert; Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Kris Schmidt; Angie VanderVinne; on deck/stairs, April House Advocate Diane Heath; April House Forensic Interviewer Lisa Zacharski and her mother, Donna Gericke; MCH Clinical Director of Behavioral Health Traci Banks-Geiger; Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley/Whiteside County Director Danielle Vance; Emma Melton; Michael Buckwalter; Darryl VanderVinne.
