Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote this feature and took the photographs.
April House Children’s Advocacy Center for Whiteside County, IL, has aided the child abuse prosecution and healing process, since 2015. While located at 501 N. Madison Street, Morrison, the professional staff conducted interviews and reviewed cases of child abuse and neglect, for those aged 3-to-18, and provided healing and justice for abused local children.
This emotionally-sensitive process requires a facility that offers comfort, seclusion, and an environment for gathering sensitive information. That information is used by prosecution of child abusers, while assisting the healing process for the offended.
A move to a beautifully renovated building, at 101 E. Main Street, was officially announced during a welcoming Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting ceremony, held on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. Executive Director Carrie Melton cut the ribbon and invited the community inside to tour the new facility.
Melton is assisted at April House by Advocate Diane Heath and Forensic Interviewer Lisa Zacharski.
Left-to-right are Lisa Zacharski; City of Morrison Administrator Brian Melton; Chamber Board member Meredith Layne; Brandy Styles, Sterling Federal Savings; Director Melton; Tiffany Tipton, Farmers National Bank; Chamber Board President Kevin Schisler; Diane Heath.
