We are dedicated to serving the child victims and families of child abuse in Genesee and Shiawassee
Voices for Children is a merged 501 (c) (3) organization that brought together two well-established and highly respected child welfare agencies in Genesee County: the Consortium on Child Abuse and Neglect (C/CAN), and the Child Advocacy Center (CAC). C/CAN was established in 1974 to advocate against child abuse and neglect. During the last thirty-five years C/CAN has established a variety of educa
tion and prevention programs for the community to help change the child welfare system and prevent abuse. The Child Advocacy Center was established to provide a place for children to tell their stories in a safe, friendly environment, with a single adult who can compassionately listen, examine, and ask the necessary questions.
Operating as usual
We want to thank Blue Cross Complete of Michigan for their continued support of our Children's Champion Breakfast Awards. Without amazing sponsors and partners like this, we wouldn't be able to host this event. We are so grateful to have your support for our 28th Annual Children's Champion Awards! Thank you so much 💙
Deputy Daphne wishes you all a HAPPY and SAFE St. Patrick's Day! Don't forget to wear your green today 🍀🌈💚
Thank you to our friend Sylvia Keeler from Flushing Presbyterian Church for donating a big box of snacks, as well as a big donation to be April's Snack Sponsor! We are so glad for your donations because we can now continue to give snacks to each child that comes to our center ❤
Thank you to our friends at Stephens Wealth Management Group for their continued support over the years, we are so grateful to have you as a sponsor for our 28th Annual Children's Champion Breakfast Awards! It is sponsorships & community partners, like you, that make this event possible. A big, big thank you for choosing our event to sponsor and for being a champion for children 💙
Staff Pick for Favorite Women Who Tell Our Stories: Mikki Kendall
Mikki Kendall is an author, activist, and cultural critic, most known for her nonfiction book, Hood Feminism: Notes From the Women That a Movement Forgot. Her work often has a focus around current events, media representation, and the history of the feminist movement.
Check out the link below to learn a little bit more about what her book Hood Feminism is all about:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsVxlFGBtPM
Join us on April 17th from 11am-12pm to learn what makes our Court Appointed Special Advocates so important to the children in the foster care system. You can make a change in the lives of vulnerable children, learn how by registering below or scanning the QR code! We hope to see you there ❤
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tcuCgqTMjHtPpzqQbCe5B4fZ9Vlv07HnJ
Staff Pick for Favorite Women Who Tell Our Stories: Chanel Miller
“We all heard the story of Brock Turner, but nobody knew who it was that survived his acts until September 2019. In June of 2020, I was on Amazon and Know My Name was recommended to me. I typically don’t pay any mind to Amazon’s suggestions but something about this felt powerful. I clicked on it, read the description, and immediately purchased it.
I was on my own journey of healing and wanted to learn more about others’ experiences. I read that book in 2 days, I could not put it down because Chanel’s writing was so powerful and captivating. She did such an incredible job depicting what it is like to go through acts of this nature and the healing process after feeling stripped of your identity. The read was so raw, painful, comforting, and empowering all in one.
Please do not read if this subject is difficult for you or might do more harm than good.”
Chanel uses her voice to reclaim her identity and empower others who have had similar experiences. Even now, 8 years after the assault, Chanel continues to fight for the rights of sexual assault survivors among a court system that has consistently let them down. Chanel also co-directed a short-film that highlights her experience and empowers others who have survived sexual assault to reclaim their identity. Chanel will continue to empower and impact individuals who are survivors for years to come.
Check out her book, her short-film, and other resources on her website: https://chanel-miller.com/
The deaf community is often forgotten, and that includes within the Behavioral Health Care System. They have a lack of access to services and are one of the most under-served populations. We can help by building bridges between the services needed by the deaf community and increase access to interpretative services.
Losing great Detectives to retirement is never easy and this one is no different. Det. Scott Townsend has retired from Fenton Police Department - Michigan, after 25 years of service. Your calm presence will be missed but we are so excited for you to get a chance to relax with your family. You have put in the time, now enjoy your break. Congratulations! 💙
You can change the story for a child in foster care. Often times, children in the foster care system don't have somebody to be their voice and advocate for what is best for them, but you can do just that by becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)! Register for our CASA Information Session to learn how you can be a voice for children.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tcuCgqTMjHtPpzqQbCe5B4fZ9Vlv07HnJ or scan the QR code! We hope to see you there ❤
Staff Pick for Favorite Women Who Tell Our Stories: J. California Cooper
"J. California Cooper was introduced to me by my mother who borrowed the novel "Family" from the library. While I was too young to read it initially, she told me bits and pieces from the novel. The way my mother described the plot and chapters she was reading I knew I wanted to read that book. At 16 my grandmother (not knowing this history) gifted me the novel "A Piece of Mine." I have not been able to put her short stories and novels down. Her writing is timeless and accurately depicts the lives of black women, black families, and love. I read her books over and over."
Through her captivating words, she brought to life the struggles and joys of African American life, reminding us of the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Her works, including "Homemade Love" and "Some Love, Some Pain, Sometime," continue to inspire and resonate with readers around the world.
Rest in Power, J. California Cooper.
Today is International Women's Day! ❤
We encourage you to celebrate all the women in your life who have shaped the person you are today. Whether that is your mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, best friend, mentor, teacher, boss, your favorite artist or actress. No matter what relation these women have to you; celebrate how wonderful they are and how they have impacted you. Happy Women's Day to all the strong, bright, beautiful women out there ☺
Make sure you are checking in with the males in your life and model the importance of talking about your feelings to help them develop comfortability in expressing emotions and talking about things that may be difficult to discuss. We can help level out the disproportionality in those who report and fight for justice for males who experience sexual assault ❤
While children are dealing with big emotions, it is important to help them learn to regulate these emotions and the behaviors that may come with them. One way you can help them regulate is with co-regulation. It can be as easy as a hug, guiding them through breathwork, or stepping away from the environment that is triggering these emotions/behaviors. Remember; you are your child's first teacher! ❤
March is Social Work Month!
Social workers hold so many titles/positions and work in a wide range of spaces but the one thing they all share in common; the passion to help those in need.
This month we are celebrating all the social workers we are lucky enough to work beside and rely on in our community. Thank you for all the work you do, you are valued and appreciated! ❤
We are gearing up for our next Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Pre-Training for prospective volunteer advocates 21 and older to advocate for youth in foster care. To learn more about what it means to be a CASA and to sign up for the Pre-Training, please register for the March Informational Session here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ucOmtqTkjEtdd-8lai8_FYankyPV5eK52
Chief Mihailoff met with Tenesa Thompson of Voices for Children to pick up our pinwheels for Child Abuse Awareness Month coming up in April.
Look for these decorations out in front of Mt Morris City Hall/Police Department soon to honor the young victims of physical and sexual abuse, and to salute the men and women of Voices for Children Advocacy Center and all of the great work they do to help these young people through truly horrendous situations. Thank you for the amazing job you all do and we are honored to partner with you!
March is Women's History Month! ❤
This year we are Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories. Women in all forms of media have been telling stories of what it means to be a woman, making history, and creating pathways for future women.
We will be sharing some of our staff's favorite quotes, poems, and work from women past and present during the month of March so keep an eye out! ☺
Who are your favorite female authors, poets, songwriters, scholars, podcast hosts, etc.?
A big thank you to United Way of Genesee County and Dort Financial Credit Union for putting together these care packages that will be sent home with the kiddos who visit us! It includes blankets, stuffed animals, and other fun activities ☺
Voices for Children is a proud member of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Michigan. We would like offer our collective congratulations to Melissa Werkman on being named the President and CEO for CACMI. We look forward to the amazing leadership and impact you will provide.
The Children’s Advocacy Centers of Michigan’s (CACMI) board of directors is pleased to announce that it has named Melissa Werkman its new President and CEO effective May 1, 2023.
Werkman brings more than 25 years of nonprofit and association leadership experience to this role. She is a transformative, strategic thinker and an impact agent, creating positive change throughout her career. For more information see...
https://bit.ly/CACMICEO
We want to give a huge thank you to Brighton Assembly of God for donating these essential items for our Pantry of Love. We were starting to run low on necessary items for our families, and now we can ensure that they get what they need when they visit us. Thank you again for this big donation ☺❤
If you would like to help or donate, here is a link with items we are always in need of! https://www.voicesforcac.org/how-you-can-help/
We are still welcoming parents to our Local Leadership Group (LLG). We would love to see more parents being a piece of the change among home visiting programs, we value your lived experience and expertise and want to make your voice heard!
Call 810-238-3333 ext 213 or ext 209 OR email [email protected] to find out more information!
Out of an abundance of caution for everyone's safety, our agency will be closed today due to the weather conditions. Staff will remain available via phone and email. Stay warm and safe today! ☃
Voices for Children will be closing at noon today, Wednesday, February 22, due to the winter storm warning. Our staff will be available by email. Thank you for understanding and be safe out there!
You can change a child's story by being a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).
If you or anyone you know is interested in being a positive impact for our community's most vulnerable, join us for our CASA Informational Session. We will be meeting on February 24th from 10am-11am, we hope to see you there! 💙
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclcuurrzgtG9WF3rt-NKNd0JhndX55XIcn?fbclid=IwAR3B8ryQjKSzJkuzVbDgmBcoiYPxQAmDe-Cm-_i1ox3rUu88g7PiJVOVmNk
Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day! Kindness is the greatest thing we can spread. Through acts both small and big, you can impact a countless amount of lives, kindness is contagious and spreads like wildfire. Take a moment (or many) to spread a little bit of joy to somebody's life today. Here are a few ideas for you! ❤
We are only one week away from our dodgeball tournament!
Teams are in and ready for the big day! We are excited to see if the Genesee County Sheriff's Office will take the title again this year. Come out to find out who will win, and be sure to invite your friends 😊
This event is a FREE, fun way to support our dedicated community of professionals who help survivors of abuse every day heal and find justice. Concessions directly support Voices for Children and donations are always welcome. We'll be at Grand Blanc High School's East Campus Gymnasium at 6:00 PM, Thursday, February 23!
Share our event: https://fb.me/e/3ug8ugjrQ
It is so important to set up a safe environment for your little one to sleep in. Here are some of the key recommendations for safe sleep.
- Put your little one on their back to sleep. Placing a little one to sleep on their back decreases the risk SIDS.
- A flat, firm mattress is best, a mattress that is too soft can be a suffocation risk.
- No loose bedding, pillows or cot bumpers in your baby's bassinet or cot.
- Avoid dressing your baby in too many layers, having a heater too warm or putting a beanie on for sleep. This can all cause overheating which is another big risk for SIDS
- It is recommended that you share a room, but never a bed with baby.
Learn more about infant safe sleep and keep up with current recommendations at michigan.gov/safesleep
Whatever your day looks like, we hope you feel the love, not just for your families and partners, but for yourself. How will you commit to taking time to love yourself today? Here are some ideas of how our staff plan to practice self-love...
- Making art
- Snuggling up with a blanket and a pet
- Reading
- Painting their nails
- Getting their hair done
- Watching their favorite show
- Baking cookies
- Journaling
Our hearts, prayers, and thoughts are with the MSU community and families.💚🤍💚🤍💚
When our littles are displaying behaviors that seem problematic to us, we often forget that there is more going on beneath the surface. Big emotions create big reactions when we are still learning how to self-regulate, and it all comes from our nervous system! Here is what we see and what is really going on under the surface. Remember, they are still learning to cope and regulate emotions. ❤
You can change a child's story by being a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).
If you or anyone you know is interested in being a positive impact for our community's most vulnerable, join us for our CASA Informational Session. We will be meeting on February 24th from 10am-11am, we hope to see you there! 💙
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclcuurrzgtG9WF3rt-NKNd0JhndX55XIcn
515 S East Street
Flint, MI
48503
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Voices for Children Advocacy Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Voices for Children Advocacy Center:
For the month of November, we wanted to focus on giving gratitude to partners in our community that help us be a #VoiceforChildren. We wanted to give a huge THANK YOU this week to our MDT members, all of your hardwork does not go unnoticed! ❤ #VoicesforChildren #VoicesforCAC #MDTappreciation #ThankYou #communitypartners
All of October is Safe Sleep Month. This week we are featuring information about sleep sacks and the importance of using them for your infants safety. Check out our past videos for Safe Sleep Month to learn more about how to keep your baby safe! If you or anyone you know is interested, click the link below to schedule a free training with us! voicesforcac.org/training #voicesforchildren #voicesforcac #infantsafetymonth #safesleepmonth #safesleep #safesleepforbabies #sidsawareness
Sleep Baby, Safe and Snug by Dr. John Hutton is a sweet book that teaches Infant Safe Sleep. #infantsafetymonth #safesleepmonth #sidsawarenessmonth #safesleepforbabies #voicesforchildren #voicesforcac
October is Infant Safety Month, watch this video for a quick overview of Infant Safety and click the link below to schedule a free training! voicesforcac.org/training #infantsafetymonth #safesleepmonth #sidsawarenessmonth #voicesforchildren #voicesforcac #safesleepforbabies
There are many jobs which require adults to be Mandated Reporters to ensure the safety of children. This video gives information about what to look out for and how to report abuse/neglect should you ever need to make that important report. Should you want a Mandated Reporter training, please see the information at the end of the video. Enjoy!
AmeriCorps offers so many opportunities for people who are looking to find what they are passionate about or for those who want to make an impact in their community. If you are interested in joining, visit americorps.gov/serve to find a placement that is right for you! We are still searching for someone to fill the full-time position with our center. #voicesforchildren #voicesforcac #americorps #jointoday
Riding the bus can be both exciting and nerve wracking for both the students and the parents. Checkout this short video to see how to best be prepared to ride safely to and from school and tips for drivers while the buses are on the road with precious cargo. Enjoy!
The beginning of the school year is a big transition time for both students new to school and returning students. This video gives some ideas on how to make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone in the household. Have a wonderful, safe, and healthy 2022-2023 school year!
Local resources for moms: Home Visiting (MIHP, Healthy Start, Early Head Start/Head Start, Nurse Family Partnership, SKIP Parents As Teachers. Infant Mental Health at GHS. Blossom Postpartum Support Group. Shurkela Mason - Postpartum-focused counselor. Online resources for moms: Postpartumsupport.net = Postpartum Support International (PSI) #voicesforchildren #voicesforcac #maternalmentalhealth #communityresources
According to the American Psychological Association, 1 in 7 new parents experience a perinatal mood disorder. This can include anxiety during or after pregnancy, depression during or after pregnancy, or postpartum psychosis. If you are experiencing any symptoms know that you are not alone and help is available. Visit postpartumsupport.net. Voices for Children supports new parents! #voicesforchildren #voicesforcac #maternalmentalhealthawareness #maternalmentalhealth
Happy SUNday! Don't forget these swimming safety tips in this last month of summer!
Voices for Children thanks and celebrates all Forensic Interviewers. Thank you for doing a critical, often difficult job and for being such a vital part of making sure children have access to HOPE, HELP, and HEALING. #voicesforchildren #voicesforcac #forensicinterviewerweek #appreciation #thankyou
Where do Forensic Interviewers do their jobs? Forensic Interviewers work for Child Advocacy Centers, like Voices for Children. Interviews are conducted in special kid-friendly interview rooms that are set up for the comfort of the child or teen. Child Advocacy Centers are trauma-informed and Forensic Interviewers help make sure children can tell what happened to them once, without having to relive their trauma over and over again. This National Forensic Interviewer Appreciation Week we thank all our awesome Forensic Interviewers! #voicesforchildren #voicesforcac #forensicinterviewerweek #appreciation #thankyou
Who are Voices for Children's Forensic Interviewers? Voices for Children, serving Genesee and Shiawassee counties has a tremendous team of Forensic Interview Specialists. In Shiawassee, Ellen and Angel conduct interviews. In Genesee County, Angela, Maria, Gayle, Tenesa, and Ethan help children find their VOICE. Thanks to all our fantastic interviewers in both communities! #voicesforchildren #voicesforcac #nationalforensicinterviewerweek #appreciation #thankyou
What is a Forensic Interviewer? Forensic Interviewers are highly-trained criminal justice specialists. They are who conduct forensic interviews for children ages 3-17. These interviews gather critical information about crimes including child abuse, neglect, child trafficking and witness to violence. #voicesforchildren #voicesforcac #nationalforensicinterviewerweek #appreciation #thankyou
Did you know, this week is National Forensic Interviewer Appreciation Week? This is a special time of year where Child Advocacy Centers, like Voices for Children, can celebrate and highlight the critical work of our teams of Forensic Interviewers. Watch this space for more to come! #voicesforchildren #voicesforcac #nationalforensicinterviewerweek #appreciation #thankyou
Looking for some fun things to do with the family this summer? Look no further than right here in Genesee County! We have so many fun family events scheduled all summer long! Check out this video of just a few of the amazing happenings in our community! #voicesforchildren #voicesforcac #summerfun #communityactivities
With 4th of July right around the corner, everyone thinks about fireworks! It's important to enjoy them but also stay safe. Thank you Chief Schreiber at Grand Blanc City Fire Department for the information on how to have fun but stay safe! 🎆 #summersafety #voicesforchildren #voicesforcac #happy4thofjuly #thankyou
Minority communities face unique stressors that impact their health over their lifetime. Gender & attractional minority youth face adversity like; unsafe school environments, bullying, victimization, stigma & discrimination, & family rejection. This adversity puts queer youth more at risk for violence, homelessness, substance use, STDs, depression, and suicide. These health disparities are compounded for queer youth of color and femmes. BUT there are things that protect queer youth from negative health outcomes: these are called resilience factors: community connectedness, pride / self-esteem, and family acceptance. These things save queer kids' lives! Highly accepted queer youth are 8 times LESS likely to commit suicide! Voices for Children offers training on queer youth advocacy - a 101-level look at intersectional queer identities and resilience, available to anyone, and Clinical Considerations for transgender and nonbinary youth, available for providers. Learn more on our website or book a training today: https://voicesforcac.org/training See more on the family acceptance by visiting the Family Acceptance Project's website. https://familyproject.sfsu.edu/ #voicesforcac #Voicesforchildren #childabuseprevention #childadvocacy #protectqueeryouth #pride #pridemonth #Flint #FlintPride
June is PRIDE month 🌈 and Voices for Children is celebrating! Pride and other LGBTQIA+ events are important for giving queer youth community and belonging, both, alongside family acceptance, vastly improve the health outcomes for queer youth...... Support Flint Pride at the Rainbow Handprint Mural, Sunday, June 5, 12:00 - 4:00 PM, with a $1 donation. At 4215 Miller Rd. Flint. See the event here, and be sure to share! https://fb.me/e/1j5eQzNAS ......Join the Flint & Genesee County Community for the 12th Annual Flint Pride Saturday, June 25, 2:00 - 8:00 PM https://fb.me/e/6owECQeYb ...... Learn more about Voices for Children voicesforcac.org .....Song: Summer day by TimTaj 🎶 #voicesforcac #Voicesforchildren #childabuse #ChildAdvocacy #protectqueeryouth #pride #pridemonth #flintpride #Flint #pride2022
Hannah Crimm, founder of Foster Love, talks about community supports that are necessary to help foster parents combat burnout. There are many ways that you can help foster parents and their kiddos. These supports help children settle into their new environment and feel like they have a place where they belong. #voicesforchildren #voicesforcac #fosterparent #fostercareawarenessmonth #casa
Hear from a Catholic Charities Foster Care Specialist to learn about what the process of supporting children and families looks like. They take many steps toward figuring out what is best for the child and making sure that those necessary steps are taken! #voicesforchildren #voicesforcac #fostercareawarenessmonth #fostercaremonth #catholiccharities
This is how one of our CASA volunteers approaches the first time meeting the child they were assigned. If you are interested in learning more about what a Court Appointed Special Advocate does and how you can participate, join us on June 7th from 9:15am-10:15am to learn more. Register using the link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vcuuupz0qEtwrwDQeqerqQFjU5jEK5kbR #voicesforchildren #voicesforcac #courtappointedspecialadvocate #CASA
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. We asked some of MDT leaders to share with you their passion behind the work they do. Thank you MDT for all the amazing work you do to protect and provide justice for children. #voices4prevention #voicesforchildren
Grateful to have Congressman Dan Kildee, Genesee County Sheriff's Office Sheriff Swanson, and Prosecutor David Leyton here to discuss child abuse and child human trafficking in our community. We want to ensure that we have the best investigations, justice, and services for children. #Voices4Prevention #CAPMonth
Jake Nevadomski is the winner for the Healthy and Active Leader Award. Jake has coached many sports including soccer, baseball, softball, wrestling and youth football. Along with coaching, he created the Little But Mighty Falcolns Club where he invited all the kids to meet once a week to work on skills in their sports. Jake gives so much his time to the kids he works with and holds pride in the kids he is able to help. Thank you for your dedication for the kids in our community! Congratulations! #voicesforchildren #voicesforcac #childrenschampion #CCBA22 #thankyou
Shelley Spivack is the other winner for the Caring Adult Award. Shelley has represented youth and their families in the legal system for many years. Shelley also began a 12-week pilot program with Buckham Art Gallery and Genesee Valley Regional Center to offer weekly workshops for youth detained at GVRC. This program grew into a non-profit organization called Youth Art Unlocked. Thank you Shelley for representing children in need and for your work toward empowering youth through art. Congratulations! #voicesforchildren #voicesforcac #childrenschampion #CCBA22 #thankyou
Genesee County Health Department is the winner for the Parent's Choice Award. The Health Department worked to keep children and families healthy and safe during 2021. The Health Department has been serving a community in crisis since 2014 and has put in a lot of hard work for the community. Thank you to Genesee County Health Department for your dedication. Congratulations! #voicesforchildren #voicesforcac #childrenschampion #CCBA22 #thankyou
Fostering Creativity: Ennis Center for Childr
E. Third StreetGenesee County Health Department
S Saginaw StreetBig Brothers Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee
Robert T. Longway BoulevardGenesee County Community Action Resource Depa
N Saginaw Street
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee
Robert T. Longway Boulevard
Genesee County Health Department
S Saginaw Street