A Better Way To Impact Child Abuse

Child advocates to unveil new one-stop center to fight abuse, empower families in 4 W. Michigan counties

WHITE CLOUD, Mich. – Two organizations championing the safety and wellbeing of children will unveil a new one-stop facility providing comprehensive services designed to help fight child abuse and empower families at an unveiling and groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 17.

Open Arms Child Advocacy Center and Newaygo County Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect’s new Center for Hope and Healing is a 23,000-square-foot building in White Cloud. The new center will be at 601 N. Evergreen Dr., White Cloud, MI 49349, just north of White Cloud on M-37.

Once fully renovated, The Center will provide a welcoming, safe and private environment for families in Newaygo, Mecosta, Osceola and Lake counties.

The Center for Hope and Healing will feature dedicated spaces for a range of services to prevent abuse and neglect, including:

• Forensic interviews in child abuse investigations
• Children’s rights education
• Evidence-based safe sleep information
• Play and reading areas for children
• Summer activities programs
• Meeting and gathering areas

Child abuse and neglect investigations in OACAC’s and NCPCAN’s service areas continue to go up.
​
OACAC’s existing facility in Big Rapids and NCPCAN’s facility in Newaygo are too small to accommodate the growing number of families or more abuse and neglect victims. The existing facilities also offer only minimal privacy and comfort to children. Additionally, during disease outbreaks, cramped locations increase the risk of infection spread.

​