The Children’s Advocacy Center of Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties (CAC) has opened the doors to its new facility in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, October 3rd followed by an open house for the community. The event was well-attended by members of law enforcement, the Department of Health, Wyoming County Children and Youth Services, and local school districts. Other attendees included Joseph Peters, District Attorney for Wyoming County, Deborah Albert-Heise, First Assistant District Attorney for Wyoming County, John Alunni, Wyoming County Human Services Administrator, Ernest King, Wyoming County Commissioner, and Sean Gerow, CEO of Family Services Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The CAC provides a comprehensive multidisciplinary team approach to childhood trauma by offering a safe and comfortable environment where a child can receive a single exam and interview for the legal system rather than needing to endure multiple interviews as each aspect of the justice system gathers information. Following this, each child and their immediate non-offending family members are able to receive trauma therapy so they can thrive beyond their traumatic experience. These services are available on-site and provided through Integrative Counseling Services. In addition, the CAC is a strong advocate to prevent child abuse and regularly performs educational outreach in the community to teach adults and children ways to recognize and prevent various types of child abuse.
The CAC’s move represents an organizational vision and an effort to make these services more available to the residents of Susquehanna and Wyoming County. With rural areas already struggling with issues such as resource poverty, the CAC’s new location is more central to the residents it serves. In addition, the CAC continues efforts in public engagement, making sure the public is aware of the services that are available to them through the CAC and how to connect with the organization.
The CAC’s relocation closely follows a shift in recent leadership. Cortney Tabb, LCSW became the Director of the CAC in July of 2023. She immediately took on the tasks of relocating the CAC facility, obtaining funding for new equipment, and making valuable connections within the human services community. When asked about the opening of the new CAC office, Ms. Tabb stated;
“I would like to send my greatest appreciation to everyone who attended our ribbon cutting and the extraordinary support from the Wyoming County District Attorney’s Office, Wyoming County Children and Youth, Pennsylvania State Police, and Tunkhannock Township and Tunkhannock Borough Police Departments. It is with this support that the children and families we serve can start the healing process they deserve in a safe and comfortable environment.”
The CAC’s new address is 55 West Street in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania. Hours of operation are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday and they can be reached at (570)-823-5244 extension 370. Information regarding the CAC, available services, and its parent organization, Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania, can be found at www.fsanepa.org.
1st Row:
John Alunni (Wyoming County Human Services Director)
Cortney Tabb (CAC Director)
Joseph Peters (Wyoming County District Attorney)
Deborah Albert-Heise (Wyoming County 1st Assistant District Attorney)
Gina Suydam (Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce)
2nd Row:
Sean Gerow (FSA NEPA CEO)
Patty Skrynski (Advisory Board Member)
Meagan Janiszewski (Children & Youth Services)
Ernest King (Wyoming County Commissioner)
Howard Heise (Advisory Board Member)
Also Pictured:
Various members of FSA NEPA, Victim Advocates, Law Enforcement, CAC Advisory Board members, and Integrative Counseling.