Lions Learn About Cherish Center

The Noblesville Lions Club welcomed Cherish Center Executive Director Wendy Gamble to their February 25th meeting. Cherish Center is a nationally accredited child advocacy center in Hamilton County. Founded in 2009, the Center provides abuse intervention and prevention services in Hamilton and Tipton Counties. They manage 40-45 cases per month, totaling over 5,800 cases since opening. There are six staff, including forensic interviewers and family advocates. Cherish Center works with children as young as 2 years up to endangered adults of all ages. Staff work with law enforcement of all levels, the Indiana Department of Child Services, prosecutors, victim advocacy groups, medical and mental health professionals. They deal with cases of domestic violence, online grooming and sexual abuse, with most coming from DCS. Cherish Center is supported by grants from local, state and federal government, and they are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations provide everything from comfort items for children during interviews to trauma therapy sessions. To learn more about Cherish Center, go to www.cherishcac.org.