Voices for Children Advocacy Center

04/22/2020

Pure Bliss Salon & Spa

Amazing drawings of the #BigBlueHouse from the kiddos of our wonderful partners at Pure Bliss Salon & Spa. Melissa and Randy Withey, we are so grateful for your unwaivering support of our center and its mission! And our doggie Deputy Daphne misses you too! 💙

#VoicesforCAC #ChildAbusePreventionMonth #welovethebigbluehouse #VoicesforChildren #wearblue

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. Voices for Children Advocacy Center is a local organization that helps children right here in Genesee County who have suffered abuse or neglect. You can show your support by wearing blue and making your own video in support of child abuse awareness. Post it to your own social media and ‘check in’ at Voices for Children. Go to their page and give them a ‘like’ to learn more about them and the Big Blue House.

04/21/2020

Before and After our Child Abuse Prevention Month Workout hosted by The Pursuit on Saturday via Zoom. We are all still sore, but what a great way to raise awareness!
Here was the line-up if you want to do it on your own:

1 24 minute AMRAP to represent the $124 billion in lifetime expense for lost worker productivity, health care, education, child welfare, and criminal justice for new cases in a single year.

6 Air Squats represents the 6.6 million children involved in referrals made to child protection agencies each year.

10 Sit-Ups represents that a report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds.

12 Mountain Climbers represents the 1200 families that Voices for Children served in Genesee and Shiawassee Counties in 2019

Then, every 4 minutes on the minute, stop and do 7 burpees to honor the 4-7 children lost each day in the United States due to child abuse and neglect.

24 min AMRAP
6 Air Squats
10 Sit-Ups
12 Mountain Climbers

Every 4 minutes, do 7 burpees.

#CAPmonth2020 #ChildAbusePreventionMonth #Voicesforchildren #Voicesforcac #thepursuitmuth

04/21/2020

Flushing Township Police Department

Thank you for the amazing ways that you serve and protect our children. The #BigBlueHouse is lucky to work with essential workers like Chief Bolin!

#voicesforcac #childabusepreventionmonth #CAPmonth2020

A message form Chief Mark Bolin about Voices for Children.

04/20/2020

The transition from structure and knowing what to expect was challenging for many children and it will be challenging again when they have to go back to in-class school. Pay attention to what children are communicating through their behaviors. Understand that this time of change will be carried with them and be prepared to support them as they work through and remember it. Help them remember it as a time that they could lean on and trust you to be the consistent thing. 💙

#voicesforcac #voicesforchildren #childadvocacy #supportchildren

04/17/2020

Our own Child & Family Therapist Paula Archambault created this intricate crayon art for #ChildAbusePreventionMonth. This is a great example of the dedication Voices for Children has toward the details of each unique case we are presented with. We will do everything we can to ensure that these children have the free and playful childhoods that the pinwheel symbolizes. Thank you for this message, Paula! 💙

#childabusepreventionmonth #CAPMonth2020 #Bluemonth #crayonart #crayola #art

04/16/2020

It’s been an incredibly challenging month. All of us at Voices for Children hope that you are finding ways to cope and to support those you love.

During this unsettling time, we have made the difficult, but responsible decision to temporarily pause our Capital Campaign, launched in February 2020 for our Flint building expansion. We remain 100% committed to playing an instrumental front line role, continuing to provide our vital services to child survivors of abuse, neglect and maltreatment.

We know that with the COVID 19 pandemic conditions, needs and safety recommendations are changing daily. It is important for organizations, and individuals, to remain resilient. There are many urgent and pressing needs right now. So, while this campaign is extremely important and our future as an organization depends on it, we don't feel that we can, responsibly, continue raising toward our building expansion while there are other much more pressing needs.

We will reassess the situation in May and relaunch the Capital Campaign in the near future; it is still vital that we expand our space in order to meet the increasing need for our crucial services. However, for the time being, we are wanting to be responsive to our communities’ immediate needs and we will do our best to continue providing services, even with our current space challenges. We are anticipating a critically high caseload over the summer and, especially, when school resumes in September.

Voices for Children has already raised nearly 70% of the necessary $1 Million dollars needed to expand. When completed, the Child Advocacy Center will have a second forensic interview room, expanded therapy and waiting room space, and meeting space for support groups, families and the community. Voices for Children is the only Child Advocacy Center serving Genesee and Shiawassee counties.

We welcome input from community members. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Executive Director, Claudnyse Holloman (810) 238-3333 EXT 207 or [email protected].

Thank you so much for your support and understanding.

#BigBlueHouse #VoicesforCAC #ChildAdvocacyCenters #everychilddeservesaCAC

04/16/2020

Telehealth Counseling: An Intern Article by Sierra Holtz

"With the appearance of Covid-19 in the United States, many people’s lives have been disrupted. Schools have been shut down and many businesses have closed, including Voices for Children. That doesn’t mean counseling has to stop. We just have to adapt. Voices for Children is now offering telehealth services to our clients during this stressful time. Telehealth means counseling using technology. This includes video conferences, phone calls, and text messaging. It is important to stay connected during this uncertain time.

Changing from a face-to face session in an office filled with toys and art supplies to an online session will take some getting used to for everyone. Both client and counselor will have to navigate new technology and get comfortable doing play therapy in separate locations. Not being in the same room requires some creative solutions in order to engage kids. There are four types of interventions that we found that works well with online counseling.

Traditional talk therapy is well-suited for older kids doing online counseling. Both client and counselor can see each other and discuss how the client is adjusting to the quarantine. Another option is letting the child play with the toys at their house. The counselor will have their own set of toys to join in if the child wants them to. This way, the counselor-client relationship is strengthened by the child inviting the counselor into their home. Additionally, if the client has a printer, the counselor can send some activities to the client to work on in session. These therapeutic activities can include things like an emotion worksheet or a drawing prompt. Lastly, the counselor and client can work on a simple craft or art project using materials found in the client’s home. Making something will allow the kids to gain a sense of accomplishment and help them to learn to follow instructions. Though therapy will look different during this time, we are making it a priority to connect to with our clients."
........

#voicesforcac #internarticle #telehealthcounseling

04/14/2020

Last week's Genesee County Multidisciplinary Team Meeting was all decked out in blue for #ChildAbusePreventionMonth! In case you were wondering, we're still wearing blue. 💙💙💙

#BlueMonth #CAPmonth2020 #voicesforcac #whywewearblue #voicesforchildren #preventchildabuse

04/13/2020

Child Abuse Prevention Month Resources | apsac

The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children has provided some wonderful #CAPmonth Zoom backgrounds for you to #PaintYourPageBlue this month! Show your support of child abuse prevention through all of your virtual meetings!

#CAPmonth2020 #childabusepreventionmonth #virtualawareness

04/12/2020

Information You Can Use from Voices for Children

Last week's Newsletter was full of great resources surrounding grief. Most of us are grieving something during this time of cancelled plans and completely new routines. We hope you find some support and empathy here.

Ele's Place - Greater Flint & Genesee County
Postpartum Adjustment Alliance - Genesee County

04/11/2020

www.michigan.gov

Michigan Children's Trust Fund has put together a wonderful resource guide for parents as we all navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. This guide includes activities, conversation prompts, and protective factors to support families during this time. Enjoy your weekend!

https://www.michigan.gov/documents/ctf/CTFCOVIDPARENTGUIDE_685519_7.pdf

04/10/2020

Spread light, love and joy this holiday weekend! Spring is here and brings new hope with it! 🌷

#hopeforchildren #CAPmonth2020

Check out all of these cool window designs done by Shiawassee County community members! We love all of the support for Child Abuse Prevention month. The community is still looking blue for CAP month even through social distancing orders. Continue to share your beautiful blue pinwheel designs with us! #CAPMonth2020 #ShiaWearBlue #ChildAbusePreventionMonth
#IStandUpForKids

04/10/2020

Animal Walks workout

Friends! This amazing demo video to help you to get moving with your kids was created by Amber Baldwin (BS in Health & Exercise Sciences) from The Pursuit gym in honor of Child Abuse Awareness Month. We already know that physical activity is great for mental health, but how much more fun would it be for your kids if you were crab walking along with them!? Take advantage of this opportunity to bond with your kids through playful and intentional movement this long weekend.

And don't forget to respond to RSVP for the Child Abuse Prevention Month Workout! https://www.facebook.com/events/664135264400798/

#CAPmonth2020 #ChildAbusePreventionMonth #BigBlueHouse #getmoving #activitiesforkids

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

04/09/2020

ELGA Credit Union

Thank you ELGA Credit Union for sporting your blue today and supporting our work every day! 💙

Though we’re apart, we stand strong together in the fight against child abuse. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and today ELGA associates are wearing blue along with our friends at Voices for Children Advocacy Center who work so hard to stop the neglect, abuse, and trafficking of children in our communities. 💙

Please drop a selfie of you in blue below!

#PaintOurTownBlue #WearBlueDay

04/09/2020

Our Genesee and Shiawassee County staff all decked out in blue for our weekly staff meeting! Show us your blue, Genesee County!

#WearBlueDay2020 #POTB2020 #PaintOurTownBlue #PaintOurPageBLue
Paint Our Town Blue

04/08/2020

Tomorrow, we want to see you GO BLUE Shiawassee and Genesee Counties! #WearBlueDay2020

To continue on with Child Abuse Prevention Month, we are planning a WEAR BLUE DAY for tomorrow April 9th 2020! We want to paint Facebook blue. Show your support by posting selfies of you and your family wearing blue. Don't forget to include your pets! Make sure to tag Voices for Children in your post with the hashtag #ShiaWearBlue We'll be sharing your blue filled selfies all day tomorrow

04/07/2020

Due to the Stay Home Stay Safe order, for everyone's safety, we are happy to let you know, the Superhero Run won't be canceled, just rescheduled! We can't wait to see all you Superheroes takeover downtown Flint on the evening of Friday September 18! We hope you'll join us! If you can't join us in person, be sure to sign up for the virtual option!

04/07/2020

Michigan Child Protection Law requires the reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect by certain professionals such as teachers, healthcare workers, and clergy. Even though we are not all mandated by law to report suspicions, we should all feel ethically responsible in reporting any feelings we have that a child might be unsafe. Join us for this free Mandated Reporter training by registering with [email protected] to receive the meeting link and password before the time of the training. This training will walk you through the reporting process and answer FAQ's about making a report.

#childabusepreventionmonth #CAPmonth #mandatedreporting #childabuseandneglectprevention

04/04/2020

Coronavirus doesn’t slow need for service at Voices for Children

Teachers are often the mandated reporters calling in suspicions of child abuse and neglect. During this time when kids are not being supervised by school personnel, it is even more so our responsibility as a community to notice what’s going on in the lives of the children around us. Check in with your neighbors and keep your eyes open for signs that a might suggest a child is unsafe.

#childabusepreventionmonth #CAPmonth2020 #ABC12 #voicesforcac

During this time of forced quarantine, a child's home may not be the safest place for them to be.

04/03/2020

At Voices for Children Advocacy Center serving Genesee and Shiawassee Counties, our staff and families are supporting Michigan Children's Trust Fund and National #wearblueday2020 you can join us in celebrating all month and, especially next Thursday April 9, by wearing your blue to support Child Abuse Prevention. We wear blue to #standupforkids.

04/03/2020

Tune in tonight!

DID YOU KNOW — It’s Child Abuse Awareness month.
💙During this time of forced quarantine, a child’s home may not be the safest place for them to be.
💙Make sure you speak up for the kids in your circle — whether that’s your neighborhood or virtual classroom, etc.

I can’t wait to share my interview with Voices for Children Advocacy Center Executive Director Nyse Holloman tonight at 5 on Abc12: First In-Depth Everywhere Wjrt-Tv 💙

04/02/2020

Paint Our Town Blue

Let's spread awareness across every virtual platform this month and beat the odds of increased cases of child abuse and neglect in times of crisis! Awareness is prevention.

Increased stress on families increases the risk of child abuse. All the more reason to #PaintOurPageBlue ! Thank you to all of you who have added a facebook profile pic frame, made your own pinwheels at home, and continue to share articles and resources to reduce stress on families at this time. YOU are making an impact by raising awareness.

https://preventchildabuse.org/coronavirus-resources/

#preventchildabuseamerica #childabusepreventionmonth #paintourtownblue #POTB2020

04/01/2020

Voices for Children Advocacy Center's cover photo

04/01/2020

Good morning and happy April! April is recognized nationally as Child Abuse Prevention Month with the well-known symbol of a blue pinwheel. The pinwheel represents every child's right to a happy and safe childhood. Due to COVID-19, we are unable to plant pinwheels throughout our neighborhoods to spread the message of child abuse prevention like we do each year. Although this year looks different, YOU can still commit to raising awareness in your virtual communities alongside us this month. Get your kids involved and tag us in your virtual pinwheel gardens!

Here are some pages you can follow to learn more about what you as an individual can do to protect children everywhere from abuse and neglect.

Paint Our Town Blue
Prevent Child Abuse America
Michigan Children's Trust Fund

#POTB2020 #ChildAbusePreventionMonth2020 #CAPmonth2020 #preventchildabuse #childabuseawareness #PaintOurPageBlue2020

03/31/2020

We are Here to Help while you Stay Home & Stay Safe

In case you missed this week's newsletter full of great resources, here it is! If you'd like to sign up for our newsletter, email [email protected].

We are committed to remaining in contact with the children and families we serve. For that reason, we have created a weekly e-blast to provide tips, information, and resources for you and your family.  The Voices for Children staff are still working to eliminate child abuse, neglect and human traf...

03/31/2020

What a great idea of a way to spread hope and light throughout the neighborhood!

Thank you to all the essential employees working so hard for all of us everyday!

#staysafe #stayhome
#shinebright
#oneargentine

03/30/2020

Do you have a friend who seems to have it all together no matter what chaos is spinning around them? This is a great reminder to be checking in with those friends and family members who seem like they are handling everything well. There may be more going on under the surface and they could just be waiting for someone to sincerely ask them how they are really doing.

#communication #connection #checkinwitheachother #anxietyawareness #support

03/27/2020

Voices for Children Advocacy Center Shiawassee

Voices for Children staff of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties have teamed up to release a weekly newsletter on various topics related to the work we do with focuses around protective factors, prevention, and some more in-depth looks at the services we provide. Take a look and keep an eye out for the next ones in the coming weeks!

Great news! Voices for Children has teamed with both our Genesee and Shiawassee county offices to put together a weekly newsletter during this stay at home order. This newsletter has the purpose of continuing to provide tips, resources, and information for the communities we serve. Our physical offices may be closed but we are still here to help! Click the link to read this weeks newsletter and click subscribe to see more each week😁