In January, Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation (MVCSC) Superintendent Dr. Jack Parker and Assistant Superintendent Mr. Chris Smedley visited Zoey’s Place Child Advocacy Center to learn more about the vital services the organization provides to children across Hancock County — including Mt. Vernon students. Moved by the center’s mission and impact, they returned inspired to take action and rally support for the organization.

Their visit sparked the launch of the “Have a Heart for Zoey” campaign, a staff-led initiative designed to raise awareness and collect donations for Zoey’s Place, which supports children and families affected by abuse, neglect, sexual assault, or other crimes. The idea was simple: ask each MVCSC staff member to contribute just $1 to make a collective difference.

On the district’s staff-only professional development day, Dr. Parker and Mr. Smedley personally visited every school building with donation buckets, greeting staff and encouraging contributions. For those who didn’t have cash on hand, a QR code linked to a secure online donation portal via the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation’s website.

The campaign concluded on February 28, raising an impressive $1,500 from MVCSC staff — more than doubling the original $600 goal.

“We were hoping for at least $600 — a dollar for every staff member,” said Dr. Parker. “The fact that our staff more than doubled that goal speaks volumes about their selflessness and student-centered mindset. Not only are they dedicated to serving students every day, but they also saw the value in supporting a community resource that uplifts children in difficult circumstances. This speaks volumes to the true character of our staff who truly want what is best for all children.”

About Zoey’s Place Child Advocacy Center

Zoey’s Place is one of Indiana’s newest Child Advocacy Centers. Established in 2016, the center was created to improve the process of investigating child abuse cases in Hancock County. Its initial goal was to streamline the process for child victims to share their experiences — allowing them to tell their story once, in one safe space, with all key stakeholders present.

Since then, Zoey’s Place has evolved into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a broader mission: to minimize trauma for child victims of abuse and violence. They achieve this through a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) approach that brings together law enforcement, child services, legal teams, medical professionals, and advocates. The center provides a neutral, safe, and supportive space for forensic interviews, family advocacy, and prevention education.

Zoey’s Place fosters hope and healing, prevents further harm, reduces trauma, and supports both children and their non-offending family members.

MVCSC: A Community That Cares

This campaign is yet another example of MVCSC staff going above and beyond to support not just the students in their classrooms, but the wider community of children in need.

Congratulations to the entire MVCSC team for demonstrating heart, compassion, and commitment to making a difference — one dollar at a time.