About Us 

Permanent Prescription Drop Off

Sites

Alma Police Dept.

525 E. Superior St.

Mon. - Fri. 

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Gratiot Co. Sheriff

226 E. Center

Ithaca

open 24 hrs./day

7 days/week

Both sites accept

prescription pills, liquids, and patches.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of deaths from cancer for both men and women. Tobacco use causes 87 percent of all deaths from lung cancer. Mid-Michigan Cancer Center is offering smoking cessation education.

If you are interested in learning more about the Lung Clinic, a free telephone screening is available by calling
 989-463-9307
 (press 2).

Quick Links

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to recognize that we each play a part in promoting the social and emotional well-being of children and families in our communities. Learn more on the National Child Abuse Prevention Month website.   

Also this month is our annual banquet, Alma vs. Ithaca Alumni Basketball game, and the early registration deadline for our Superhero 5K.  Come join the fun and help support child abuse and neglect prevention!!

Enjoy,

Child Advocacy Staff

Check out our website www.linkforfamilies.org.

The Emergency Lure

By  Richelle Davis

Prevention Educator

You may have heard that just this month in Montcalm County there was an attempted abduction of an 8 year old Howard City girl.  The girl was walking to a friend's house when she was approached by a man in a red truck.  The man reportedly told the girl that her aunt was in the hospital and to "get in" and he would take her there.  The girl refused and continued walking to her friend's house and the man drove away.

This is very much like a scenario that we talk about in the Protect Yourself Program.  I usually tell the kids to imagine they are playing in the park with some friends, waiting for their mom to come and pick them up.  A stranger approaches them and says that their grandma had to go to the hospital and their mom sent them (the stranger) to pick you up. I ask the kids, "What would you do?"  Some kids say they would go because they want to see their grandma.  Other kids like to be detectives and start asking the stranger questions, such as, "What is my mom's name?"  We discuss all of the different scenarios and it all comes back to the fact that this person is a stranger.

This is called the "emergency" lure.  Children are lured into going with a stranger when presented by some type of emergency.  Some kids may be so concerned about their grandma in the hospital that they do "get in" with the stranger.  Talk to your kids about strangers and possible lures they may use to trick them into coming with them.  When it comes to strangers, teach your children the personal safety rules: Say NO, Get Away, and Tell Someone. 

Upcoming Events

Child Advocacy Annual Banquet

Thursday, April 10

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Central Michigan Youth for Christ - Alma

Lunch Tickets $12

Tickets may be purchased in advance by contacting

Child Advocacy (989) 463-1422

Alma High School vs. Ithaca High School Alumni Basketball Game

Friday, April 11

7:00 p.m.

Alma High School

Tickets are $5.00 at the door

Event is sponsored by the Donald L. Pavik Middle School Student Council and all proceeds go to Child Abuse and Neglect programs in Gratiot County.

Child Advocacy Superhero 5K

Saturday, May 10

9:00 a.m.

Alma Armory - 710 N. State

Online registration at runsignup.com 

Registration forms are available at linkforfamilies.org 

Early registration deadline is May 4

"Every child needs a hero, 

but abused children need superheroes!"

All proceeds go to Child Abuse and

 Neglect programs in Gratiot County.

   

Alcohol Abuse Prevention 

Starts Now

By Ty Warczinsky

GCSAC Coordinator

With the school year fast approaching, our teens will be facing many different challenges. With prom and graduation parties on the horizon, it is important as parents and a community to be proactive and not reactive. We must have challenging conversations with our youth. Here are a few tips when addressing our teens from Harvard Health Publications.

If you know any local vendors who sell alcohol, ask them if their staff will be attending our TIPS training taking place May 15th and 16th, which will help keep alcohol out of our youth's hands.  TIPS' training provides real-life information about the effects of alcohol, and it empowers employees with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to:

            ~ Recognize signs of intoxication 

            ~ Intervene more quickly and assuredly in potential

problem situations

            ~ Spot underage drinkers and prevent sales to minors

            ~ Handle alcohol-related situations with greater

confidence.

Open up and listen

Ask open-ended questions, and listen to the answers without interrupting.

• Talk openly about your family history. If your family has had problems with alcohol, your child should know about it. Be open about your own experiences, too.
• Set clear expectations, and communicate your values. Youngsters are less likely to drink when they know that parents and other important adults in their lives have strong feelings about it.
• Control your emotions. If you hear something that upsets you, take a few deep breaths and express your feelings in a positive way.
• Ask about your teenager's friends. Express an interest in getting to know them better. Getting to know these friends and their parents will help you understand your teenager's world.