Mission Updates :: December 2024

:: Message from CAPA's President and CEO

Reflecting on 2024: Gratitude, Growth, and

a Brighter Future for Families

As we close the chapter on an extraordinary 2024, I am filled with gratitude for the unwavering support and dedication of everyone who contributes to the Child Abuse Prevention Association’s mission. This year has been one of growth, both for our organization and for me personally, as I transitioned from my role as Vice President of Programs to the privilege of serving as President and CEO. With your steadfast partnership, we have not only maintained the strength of our programming but also expanded our reach, touching even more lives with impactful prevention, education, and advocacy initiatives. 

The smooth transition in leadership has been a testament to the resilience and collaboration of our team. My experience as a licensed professional counselor has guided me in embracing this new role with a focus on empathy, active listening, and intentional leadership. These principles have reinforced our commitment to holistic support for trauma survivors and the proactive development of healthier, safer communities. As we navigated this year together, our efforts toward building sustainable partnerships and enhancing resources have fortified CAPA’s foundation for years to come. 

As we reflect on 2024, I encourage each of us to pause and acknowledge the importance of gratitude and overall well-being. The work we do is vital, but it is only sustainable when we care for ourselves and one another. Let us carry this spirit of thankfulness into the new year, prioritizing connection and healing in every aspect of CAPA’s mission. Together, we are creating a brighter, more hopeful future for every child and family we serve. 

Wishing you a peaceful and joyful holiday season, and a new year filled with health, connection, and continued success.

:: Mental Health Tip

Six Ways to Maintain Healthy Boundaries During the Holidays

By Brittany Talley, Director of Clinical Services

Whether you celebrate any major holidays or not, the time between November 1 and January 1 can be stressful. Kids are off from school, holiday celebrations are underway, the weather is darker and gloomier–there's a lot going on.

Maintaining healthy boundaries during this time is important to prevent burnout, fatigue, and, if you have kids, meltdowns. While you consider how to make the most of this holiday season, here are six tips to establish and maintain healthy boundaries–and your sanity.

1. Clarify your values. Identify what's important to you and your family.
2. Set your priorities. Use the values identified in step 1 to determine your priorities for the coming months.
3. Be prepared with a script. Setting a boundary can be challenging. Having a script can make it easier to say "no."
4. Be a broken record. Remember you do not need to justify your "no."
5. Ease into tough conversations. Be curious and open when approaching the person with whom you want to set a boundary. We set boundaries to continue and improve relationships.
6. Practice post-boundary self care. Setting boundaries can be exhausting, and you may need rest. Give yourself a chance to reset.

Hopefully these tips can give you a jump-start on a happy, healthy celebration season!

This holiday season, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the generosity of our community. Thanks to your support, we reached our goal to provide every family in our counseling and home visiting programs with a Basket of Hope—each one thoughtfully curated to encourage meaningful family time and connection. From games and creative activities to pizza and sweet treats, these baskets bring joy and togetherness for KC families during the holidays.  

A special shoutout to AMR Independence and Parman & Easterday for hosting collection drives on our behalf! Their incredible efforts ensured that no family was left out and helped make this initiative such a success. We’re grateful today, and every day, for the compassion and care our supporters bring to CAPA's mission. Together, we’re making a difference, one family at a time. Thank you!  

:: Staff and Program Spotlight

Welcome Rose + School-Based Services

We are thrilled to welcome Rose Schmitt to our team. She will be a school-based therapist serving Raytown elementary school clients starting December 11th!

Rose has been a part of the CAPA family since January 2023 as an intern and she's passionate about working with children and advocating for their well-being.

“It’s my dream job to work for a nonprofit like CAPA, provide services to those who need them, and advocate for our clients,” Rose shared.

School-based services like therapy and social-emotional learning are vital to fostering students' mental health and overall development. Through these programs, children can better process emotions, navigate challenges, and thrive academically and socially. We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with Raytown Quality Schools, which makes it possible to support students right where they are.

Thank you for your generosity and commitment to bringing hope and healing to the neighbors who need it most!

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Blue KC, LEAD Bank, Burmeister Gilmore, Comprehensive Mental Health, Evergy, JE Dunn, Danielle Trabon - Edward Jones, Edward Jones - Drew Hammer, Adam Kliethermes, & Kevin McClelland, State Street, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, QuikTrip, Commerce Bank, Truman Heartland Community Foundation, Cruise Planners, Trabon Group, The Cleaning Crew of KC, Ideolity, and MailWorks for headlining our 2024 Sponsorship and Partner drive.

We are now seeking partners for 2025!

Opportunities include in-kind support and monetary sponsorships ranging from $500-$15,000. You can help keep kids safe and stand out as a caring business leader. Contact us today!