Greensburg, PA – Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli is honored to unveil and dedicate the new Victim Witness Waiting Room at the District Attorney’s Office. 
After more than a year of designing and ongoing construction, the room that will serve hundreds of victims and witnesses annually, is complete.

Through the generous contributions of the Richard King Mellon Foundation and Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, this waiting room evolved from a mock-up design on paper into the calming environment it is today.

District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli said, “We know, often times, people come to this office on the worst day of their lives. As a trauma-assumed office, if we can assist in making this experience less distressing, then I believe we can help in healing and prevention of crime.”

This room was inspired by a younger victim who was at the District Attorney’s Office awaiting a verdict from a sexual assault case. Her family was not comfortable sitting in the previous Victim Witness Waiting Room because of its surroundings; it was dated in its concept and messaging. The previous room did not reflect the trauma-assumed approach we are now familiar with today.

This newly designed space is inspired and dedicated to her.

With permission, it will be known as ‘E’s Room’ – a tribute to the brave victim who displayed courage and resiliency in the face of adversity.

“These funds are a perfect example of how state and local government should be working together to make our communities safe and even greater place to live,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward. “This partnership supports local communities throughout Westmoreland County by supporting law enforcement and victim needs through funding equipment and infrastructure projects.”

District Attorney Ziccarelli enlisted the cooperation of Fred Rogers Institute at Saint Vincent College. The institute meticulously designed the room from the carpet to the walls; selecting colors and fabrics that evoke tranquility and comfort.

Director of Fred Rogers Institute, Emma Swift Lee, said, “Fred Rogers put special care into providing safe and welcoming spaces to children, whether it was through his television connection or in-person interactions. The Fred Rogers Institute at Saint Vincent College was honored to partner with the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office to design a comfortable, safe, and welcoming space for children and families." 

The Richard King Mellon Foundation provided the grant to the Fred Rogers Institute to implement the design at the office.

The Fred Rogers Institute also thoughtfully donated books and children’s games for the room.

“Trauma informed rooms have become a critical part of our court system, offering a safe space where healing can begin,” said Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty. “The concept for these rooms was born from a place of genuine kindness and compassion for those in need, especially children. As Mister Rogers so famously said, ‘When things get scary in life, look for the helpers’ – at a time when so much divides us, it is heartwarming to see people, organizations and government coming together and focused on being the helpers.”

DA Ziccarelli said, “This room is unique and is a first of its kind. This waiting room will be the first Victim Witness Waiting Room designed by the Fred Rogers Institute in the country, and for that, I am profoundly honored and deeply gratified. This room will be a lasting testament to not only the victim who inspired it, but the victims that will come after her.”

“My sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone who through this trauma informed room made the health, safety and security of Pennsylvania’s children their priority,” Justice Dougherty added.

DA Ziccarelli sends her sincerest thanks and praise to the Richard King Mellon Foundation, Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, Fred Rogers Institute and Saint Vincent College for collaborating on this project and bringing this vision to fruition.

“If we can make a difference in the lives of our victims, beyond seeking and providing justice, then we are making a lasting impact in Westmoreland County,” DA Ziccarelli said.