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Susie's Place asks Vigo County for $15,000 bridge funding as demand rises
Summary
Susie's Place requested $15,000 from the county to cover short‑term operating needs as referrals and forensic interviews rise; the organization's chief development officer said state and philanthropic solutions are in progress but will take time.
Commissioner Mark Clinken asked the council to approve $15,000 from the general fund to support Susie's Place, a child‑focused forensic interview center in Terre Haute that coordinates investigations and provides trauma‑informed interviews for children. "Susie's Place conducts forensic interviews to children on behalf of multiple agencies in the community," he said, and noted the center’s important partnerships with law enforcement and child services.
Cathy Stoll, chief development officer for Susie's Place, said the center saw 185 forensic interviews in 2025 and had conducted 209 children through June of the current year, indicating demand is rising. She said federal funding has become less reliable, creating a sustainability gap, and characterized the county request as bridge funding while state funding discussions and philanthropic efforts continue. "This is truly a bridge, we think, to get us over this hump," Stoll said. Councilors asked clarifying questions about the intended fund source (general fund versus community development) and were told the commissioners requested the money from the general fund; staff were asked to clarify packet language before final action.
