Two events will introduce the public to a new facility that will enhance the services provided by the Butler County Alliance for Children.

The new Child Advocacy Center at the intersection of Mahood Road and Route 8 North in Center Township will welcome the community to view the child-friendly building, which has been renovated to create a safe and calm space for children who have suffered abuse and their families.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m., with the big scissors making their appearance at 6 p.m.

A family-friendly open house and tours will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday.

Josh Strelbicki, Alliance assistant director, said the entire operation will move from its home on East Jefferson Street to the new location, which he said is about four times larger.

“It will allow us to look at program expansions to serve more families,” he said.

The county Alliance for Children provides various services to victims of child abuse, including a multidisciplinary investigative team, forensic interviews, victim advocacy, forensic medical exams, mental health services referral, and training and prevention programs.

The new building also will afford the Alliance the ability to offer space for support groups and meetings with team members as well as intern and volunteer space.

“It will provide the ability to engage the community more as well,” Strelbicki said.

The Center Township building also provides a facility that reduces anxiety on families and children who need the services, which is a major goal of the Alliance.

“It's a more confidential location for the families,” Strelbicki said. “There is the ability for them to park here and not have their cars immediately seen from the road, which might alleviate some anxiety about coming in here and engaging in this process, which can be overwhelming for children and families.”

In addition to new paint on every wall, Strelbicki said thoughtful touches have been added to help children feel comfortable in the new building.

A large, child-friendly mural of an underwater scene and a colorful papier-mache tree created by a local artist are among the features that will help children feel calm and comfortable in the building.

Denna Hays, executive director of the county Alliance for Children and its first employee when it was instituted in January 2014, said the organization serves about 200 new children per year.

She looks forward to providing services in the family-friendly and large new building.

“It's amazing,” she said.