For Immediate Release: March 23, 2015
For additional information contact:
Kara Brooks
kbrooks@gov.IN.gov
317-232-1622
First Lady Karen Pence Awards Grant to Susie’s Place Child Advocacy Center
Award will support Child Forensic Interviews of Alleged Child Victims of Crime
Indianapolis – First Lady Karen Pence hosted the third award reception for grant recipients of the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation at the Governor’s residence on Tuesday, where she awarded $30,500 to 35 organizations and charities that serve Hoosier families and children across the state. Susie’s Place Child Advocacy Center was represented by Executive Director, Emily Perry, and Forensic Interviewer, Trisha Guinn who were on hand to receive the award.
“When Mike was elected Governor, I was overwhelmed with requests from so many worthy organizations to get involved in their efforts. However, it quickly became clear that I couldn’t be at every event nor could I champion every cause. That is why I, along with a team of dedicated board members, started the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation as a way to shine a light on the organizations across Indiana who lift up our communities and make our state strong,” First Lady Karen Pence stated.
“Susie’s Place Child Advocacy Center is one of those organizations that is doing great work for our Hoosier children and families, and it is an honor to recognize them today,” said First Lady Karen Pence.
First Lady Karen Pence started the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation in August of 2013 as a way to recognize organizations and charities across the state. At the inaugural First Lady’s Luncheon held in April 2014, the Foundation awarded its first major grant of $100,000 to the Art Therapy Program at Riley Hospital for Children. This year’s luncheon recipient will be Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, which supports food banks and food pantries in all 92 counties. Throughout the year, the Foundation will award smaller grants to organizations across the state.
“Whether helping a child develop a love for reading or supporting families in need or encouraging a child to go further in the arts, these organizations are the backbone and the heart of our communities. They represent the very best of what it means to be a Hoosier, and we thank them for their service,” said First Lady Karen Pence.
The mission at Susie’s Place is to provide a neutral, child-friendly center for the investigation of allegations of crimes against children, while maintaining the comfort and safety of the child as the first priority.
“Susie’s Place is honored to be recognized by the First Lady’s Charitable Foundation and looks forward to being good stewards of the grant dollars to serve our youngest victims of crime” says Emily Perry, Executive Director.
Tuesday’s reception is the third reception since the inaugural First Lady’s Charitable Foundation Luncheon held in April of 2014. This year’s annual luncheon will be held April 23rd.
The Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3). The First Lady receives no compensation. Donations are tax deductible. Learn more about how to make a donation or request a grant award on the Foundation’s website at: www.IndianaFirstLadysCharitableFoundation.org