CAN Council CASA Program Director recognized by national agency |
CAN Council Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program Director, Katherine Griffiths, has received two highly-commendable distinguishments through the National CASA Association for Children. Griffiths is one of 12 selected among 45 applicants to participate in Loyola University’s Children’s Law and Policy Executive Program and was recently appointed to serve on the Urban Leadership Council of the National CASA Association for Children.
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Book or attend a 'Lunch & Learn' opportunity with CAN Council! |
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Dads Talk Fatherhood is an opportunity for dads from all walks of life to connect and discuss the many complexities of fatherhood. No registration required. All fathers are welcome!
1pm-2:30pm
Third Monday of each month
Dates: June 21 // July 19 // Aug 16 // Sept 20 // Oct 18
Zoom Passcode: 529096
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Perfect for your next staff or civic group meeting!
Stewards of Children: Mini is a 20-minute condensed version of CAN Council's Stewards of Children prevention training, with a focus on the 5 Steps to Protecting Children.
Learn to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.
Offered virtually. Learn more about the program here.
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Consider making a donation to to help ensure the continuation of this essential service in our communities! |
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Support CAN Council's Diaper Distribution Program |
With much thanks to Civic League of Bay County Advisory Endowment Fund of the Bay Area Community Foundation, CAN Council was granted $2,251 to supplement our Diaper Distribution program!
In 2020, CAN's Diaper Distribution Program provided over 180,000 diapers to families across Arenac, Bay, Huron and Saginaw counties! This achievement would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors and supporters.
Make a donation to our Diaper Distribution program by purchasing diapers for families who are in need via CAN Council's Amazon Wish List, or by making a general donation on our website with "Diapers" added in the donor note section.
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Staff Spotlight:
Delores Gale - Development Specialist
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Can you tell us how long you’ve been with CAN Council, and a little bit more about your role as CAN's Development Specialist?
I started at CAN in 1996 so I am in my 25th year. When I started, it was Suzanne and I in the basement of the Westlund Child Guidance Clinic, and we were both part time. My job as Development Specialist includes researching new grants, writing grants, and monitoring active grants for compliance. All grants are not alike 😊 and many require monthly, quarterly and annual reporting.
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What contribution have you made to CAN Council that is most meaningful to you?
I think helping to find the funding to move into our own building was a huge move for CAN Council. Also, when we were able to start an endowment fund with the help of the 3-year Kresge Initiative was very significant.
What has been some of the more memorable milestones you’ve witnessed during your time at CAN Council?
- Moving from the basement of Westlund Guidance Clinic into our own building.
- Starting an endowment with help from the Kresge Foundation initiative, initially raising over $300,000.
- Adding the CAC services initially with the United for Kids, then merging into one organization.
- Acquiring Bay and Huron counties and providing services in Arenac county.
- Growing the auction to raise nearly $200,000 and making it the premiere fundraising activity in the area.
- Adding the CASA program.
- And of course, building our new facilities in Saginaw. The list goes on and on as to what we have accomplished in 25 years!
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What’s the greatest gift a donor has given to the CAN Council?
When we received our first donation from an estate of a deceased elderly lady with no family (from a person who had no connection to the CAN Council), I knew we were big time. I remember the day I answered the phone and it was from the attorney from the estate (only he didn’t mention ‘estate’, just ‘attorney’). I thought we were in big trouble and immediately handed the phone over to Suzanne!
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Why carry on in this fight over all these years?
When I first started, it was just a job but as the years piled up, it became a mission. I did not have a nurturing childhood and could relate to how the kids we served were feeling. Then as we added on staff who were so dedicated, I wanted to be the person responsible for finding the funds to allow them to do their incredible jobs.
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Save the Dates:
CAN Council fundraisers coming later this year... more details to come!
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Virtual Ducky Derby & Family Fun Fest
August 2021 | Dow Bay Area YMCA - Bay City
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A week of VIRTUAL family fun! Fun family activities including: Rubber duck coloring page & giveaway, child abuse prevention education resources and our Ducky Derby rubber duck race via Facebook Live! |
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Dine & Unwind - Fall Flavors
Wednesday, September 22 | Wenonah Park - Bay City
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Welcome a new season in Michigan with Autumn-inspired dishes prepared by some of your favorite local restaurants, cozy up with your favorite Michigan brew or wine and help raise critical funds for CAN Council's Bay county programming at our 18th Annual Dine & Unwind Fall Flavors fundraiser!
Join us outdoors at Wenonah Park or customize your fall tasting to-go.
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Help support the children and families in our region by making a contribution to the CAN Council: |
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If you see something, say something.
Save a child from abuse.
Make the toll-free, anonymous call: 855.444.3911
Speak up for those who can't speak for themselves.
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