Mari & NLCAC

Mari’s Story

Less than a week after we opened our doors in our new location, six-year-old Mari (name changed for privacy of course) walked through our doors. A beautiful and strong 1st-grader, Mari had been hurt by her stepdad since she was four years old.

At first, Mari was shy and a little nervous. Sarah, our director, offered her a snack and a juice box which she eagerly accepted. Mari then spotted the stuffed hedgehog in our family room, and the ice was broken as she talked with Sarah about her love of hedgehogs. Meanwhile, Ethan, Northern Lights’ survivor advocate, was talking with Mari’s grandparents, making helpful referrals. After a few minutes, our forensic interviewer, Miss Alaina, introduced herself and took Mari to the interview room, a comfortable space with live plants, toys, and even a beanbag chair, where they could talk about what happened.

In a separate room, Northern Lights’ Multidisciplinary Team Coordinator, Nate, was observing the interview alongside a local police officer, and child protective services worker. Together, they would make sure that Mari’s case moves forward, and that her needs are at the center of their investigations. None of these things were Mari’s to worry about. Our team took full responsibility for making sure she was safe and cared for throughout the process.

“Can we come back here tomorrow? It's nice here.”

Mari’s interview went well. When she was leaving with her grandparents, our staff heard her ask, “Can I come back here tomorrow? It’s nice here.”

That is what your gift today can make happen. With your partnership, we can help the more than 1,000 children from Marquette County facing abuse, neglect, or human trafficking, every year.

We are happy to report that Mari is seeing a counselor now. Her teacher says she is doing well in school, and grandma and grandpa report that she is settling in to living with them. If Mari has to testify in court, our team can help her prepare and be there with her and her family. We will bring games, and coloring supplies, to help pass the time waiting, and comforting items like fidgets or plushies for Mari to hold while she’s on the stand.

We are working to make sure that more kiddos like Mari have access to free hope, help, and healing. Lend us your support.