L to R: Akayla Smith (Family Advocate), Susan Scharf (Executive Director), Don Jones of Wit’s End Wood, Becky Bailey (Outreach Advocate)

The Lighthouse Child Advocacy Center is expanding services thanks to the talent of Don Jones, owner of Wit’s End Wood. Don was asked to create a model courtroom using his woodworking craftsmanship. This model courtroom was designed to resemble the courtrooms used in Wetzel and Tyler Counties and will be used by CAC staff and MDIT (Multidisciplinary Investigative Team) members to help prepare child survivors for testimony in court proceedings.

Susan Scharf, Executive Director of the Lighthouse CAC says, “To some child survivors of abuse, testifying against their offender is what healing looks like to them. But, for a lot of child survivors this can be an absolutely terrifying experience. It is our hope that the use of this model courtroom will help them get more comfortable, better prepared, and extra courageous throughout the process.”

With the help of CAC staff, children will be able to move the figures around the courtroom and learn the roles of those who will be present when they are called to testify. Don Jones of Wit’s End Wood says, “It was my privilege to help such a worthy group. It was a very humbling experience.” The Lighthouse CAC is grateful for this exceptional work by Don and the opportunity to increase advocacy services for the children and families they serve in Wetzel and Tyler Counties.