About Us
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Child Advocacy is a non-profit agency with a mission to improve the welfare of children and their families through education, training, and support for the prevention of substance abuse and child abuse and neglect.
Our Staff
Audra Stahl
Executive Director
Pam Mahin
Office Manager
Ty Warczinsky
GCSAC Coordinator
Richelle Davis
Prevention Educator
Heather Gardner
CAC Coordinator
Michelle Zombeck
CASA Coordinator
Brenda Shafley
Event/Volunteer Coordinator
Board of Directors
President
Wes Wickes
Youth for Christ
Vice President Jennifer Leppien CASA Treasurer Carolyn Studley Community Representative
Secretary Kelly Piotrowski Dept. of Human Services
Colleen Davis
Prosecuting Attorney's Office
Rob DuHadway DuHadway Dance Dimensions
Carolyn Hilley Gratiot Co. Comm. Mental Health
David Justin Alma School Board
Mike Morris
Detective, Gratiot Co. Sheriff's Dept.
Jamie Richardson Doehring Schultz Insurance Agency
Matt Schooley City of Alma Transportation
Jennifer Siefker
Jennifer Stambaugh
DeafBlind Central CMU
Andrea Tabor
Mid MI District Health Dept
Joe Yourchock
Community Representative
Kim Vetter
MI State Police
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Car Seat Safety |
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Did you know that at Child Advocacy we can install and provide a safety inspection for your child safety seat? Child Advocacy has a nationally certified safety seat technician available! To make an appointment call 989-463-1422 or 800-552-4489 |
Permanent Prescription Drug Drop Off
Site
Gratiot Co. Sheriff
226 E. Center
Ithaca
open 24 hrs./day
7 days/week
Alma Police Dept.
525 E. Superior St.
Hours
8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday
St. Louis Police Dept.
108 W. Saginaw St.
Hours
Mon. 7 - 3
Tues. - Fri. 8 - 4
The sites accept
prescription pills, liquids, and patches.
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Your Feedback!
Dear Brenda,
Thank you for inviting me to shop with a hero. I had a lot of fun.
Sincerely,
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Gather your princesses and/or pirates and join us for the Children's Advocacy Centers fundraiser. Many themed activities and entertainment have been planned for this kid-friendly event!
Who is your favorite superhero? May 9, 2015 will mark the 8th annual Child Advocacy 5K fundraiser. This event offers fun for the whole family and encourages superhero-theme costumes. Who can resist having a blast while exercising?
Enjoy,
Child Advocacy Staff
Check out our website www.linkforfamilies.org.
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Upcoming Events
Princess & Pirate Royal Fundraiser
You are invited to a Royal Fundraiser on
Sunday, February 15th
at the First Presbyterian Church in Alma.
Draw Bridge opens at 3:00 p.m. and closes at 4:30 p.m.
Princesses, Princes, Kings, Queens, Captains, Pirates, and Mermaids are all welcome! Princess and Pirate attire encouraged, but not required.
Tickets -$10 a person in advance
$15 at the door
Photo Opportunities with real Princesses and pirates, Snacks, Games, Treasure, Updo's, and MORE...........
All proceeds to benefit the Children's Advocacy Center of Gratiot County.
Child Advocacy Superhero 5K
Please mark your calendar for our annual 5K race! Saturday, May 9 at 9:00 a.m. Alma Armory, 710 N. State St.
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What Does it Mean to
Be a CASA Volunteer?
Submitted By: Michelle Zombeck
CASA Coordinator
In 2014, Gratiot County CASA served 49 children. With
dedicated and hard working volunteers our program was
still not able to meet the need of all the children waiting for
a volunteer.
In 2015, our goal is to reach more children with more
advocates and to educate the community about what it really means to be a CASA volunteer.
- What does it mean to be a CASA volunteer?
- How much time does it take to be a CASA volunteer?
- Do I need to make a long-term commitment to the program?
- Do I need to have any special skills or meet any requirements?
- Exactly what does a CASA volunteer do?
- What sort of support will I receive?
Contact Michelle Zombeck at 989-463-1422 or
[email protected] and learn how you can truly make a difference in the life of a child.
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The Hush Hour
by Pam Mahin
Office Manager
Every child can benefit from a daily nap, but sometimes there is nothing you can do to get your child to actually sleep. But day after day, week after week, without a rest break can result in a fussy child prone to tears, temper tantrums and whining. A Hush Hour can provide a wonderful substitute for an actual nap.
The Hush Hour is magical in another way. It can be a much-needed break for a parent or caregiver. As much as we love our children, we still need some time off! The Hush Hour allows you a break to relax or catch up on much-needed work or household tasks.
The Hush Hour becomes most effective when used at the same time every day. Try to create a daily ritual that includes a Hush Hour in the afternoon, perhaps when your little one returns home from daycare or school.
For more information and how to incorporate The Hush Hour into your family, please click here.
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Family Carnival & Expo
The Family Carnival & Expo was a huge success! Over 500+ people came out to enjoy the event. Thank you to all that participated. We are very excited to offer this event next year. Please mark your calendar for Saturday, January 30, 2016.
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Scheduled Classes
Foster/Adoptive/Relative Care Support Group
Tuesday, February 10
6:00 p.m.
Youth for Christ - Alma
Nurturing Parenting Class
(for parents and their 5-11 year old children)
starts Thursday, January 29 for 10 consecutive weeks
5:00 p.m. Light meal served
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. class
United Methodist Church - St. Louis
To register, please call our office.
Please call our office with questions about any of the above classes/workshops at (989) 463-1422.
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Happy Valentines Day!
A great big heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and attended our Family Carnival and Expo in January! A special thank you to our friends at Central MI Youth For Christ for allowing us to use their beautiful facility for our event again this year. Another special thank you to the Ithaca Lions Club for providing FREE hot dogs and popcorn, to all of the vendors who had a booth, and the wonderful volunteers who worked the event!!
We hope you will join us for our first annual Princess and Pirates Party Fundraiser on Sunday, February 15th. All proceeds will benefit our Children's Advocacy Center (CAC). The CAC is a program that provides victims of child abuse and neglect a forensic interview, victim/family advocacy, and follow up support. The CAC is a critical piece in the investigative process of a child abuse case; as well as a place to start the healing process after the abuse takes place. We need your help to keep this meaningful program going in our community!
Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter.
Sincerely,
Audra Stahl
Executive Director |
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