Fond du Lac Reservation donates $20,000 to First Witness for Restoring Hope Capital Campaign

On Monday, the First Witness Child Advocacy Center received a generous donation from the Fond du Lac (FDL) Reservation for the agency’s Restoring Hope Capital Campaign.

In 2021 the First Witness Board of Directors embarked on a bold journey to find a new home.

In 2022, together with our Capital Campaign Committee, the non-profit set forth a bold goal of raising $3.5 million dollars for the acquisition, renovation and construction of their new home on 14th Avenue East and 2nd Street.

First Witness and the FDL Band continue to have a strong partnership, First Witness works with FDL Police Department and Social Services for various reasons such as Forensic Interviews, connecting families with an FDL Tribal Child and Family Social Workers (FDL TCF) in order to provide culturally appropriate on-going services, to the agency providing other relevant training to FDL Law Enforcement and FDL TCF Social Workers.

“This has been extremely important for the Child Advocacy Center and something we view with utmost importance when scheduling an interview. We ensure a safe and supportive conversation is facilitated to have the best outcome for FDL children,” said First Witness Advocacy and Prevention Director Ally Washenesky.

If the community would like to learn more and consider a donation to our campaign please visit our website at Restoring Hope Capital Campaign firstwitness.org or contact Tracie Clanaugh at 218-727-8353.

“The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is proud to donate $20,000 to renovate the First Witness site. This expansion will continue to provide essential, culturally appropriate services to our community, from child advocacy to forensic interviews and prevention efforts,” said FDL Vice-Chairperson/District III Representative Roger Smith. “The Band’s Social Services and Police Department are dedicated to strengthening this partnership and continuing our commitment to protecting our children.”

First Witness is committed to integrating cultural humility into their services and spaces. With the help of the FDL Band, the new building will be a cultural affirmative space for children and families including the creation of a new cultural and spiritual center.