Mission Updates :: September 2025

:: Stewards of Children Certification

Community Education Celebration

We're so proud of Lily Luy, our Community Educator, and Lindsey Neely, our Community Education Manager! They're now authorized facilitators for Darkness to Light's Stewards of Children® program.

The Stewards of Children training program gives adults simple, practical steps to help prevent child sexual abuse in their families, organizations, and communities. The training includes stories and advice from survivors, experts, and professionals who work in the field.

Congratulations, Lindsey and Lily!

:: Building Empathy and Resilience

Social-Emotional Learning at Home

SEL is an important part of many classrooms today. It helps kids of all ages learn skills like showing empathy, handling emotions, and making good choices. The great part is that learning doesn’t stop when school ends—you can practice SEL at home too!

Here are some simple ways to use Second Step SEL skills at home:

1. Use the same words your child hears at school. They may hear phrases like “calm-down strategies” or “respectful listening.”
2. Practice managing emotions together. Students learn to use tools like belly breathing and positive self-talk.
3. Practice empathy. Encourage your child to think about how others feel.
4. Try problem-solving together. Use the S-T-E-P method: S: Say the problem T: Think of solutions E: Explore consequences P: Pick the best solution
5. Celebrate positive behavior. When you notice your child making a good choice, point it out!
6. Stay connected to what’s happening at school. Many SEL programs send home updates about what students are learning. If you don’t receive them, ask your child’s teacher how to stay updated on their weekly SEL focus.

Lindsey Neely, LMSW - CAPACares Community Education Manager

:: 50th Anniversary Gala, Presented by Speaks Chapels

Get Your Golden Tickets Today!

Only 100 tickets will be sold for this exclusive raffle, giving you incredible odds to win one of three amazing prizes, all while supporting CAPACares’ programs for kids and families.

Tickets are $100 each, with a total goal of $10,000 raised.

Three lucky winners will be drawn:

🛳️ Royal Caribbean Cruise for Two 🛳️

Out of Los Angeles, California (Silver Certificate Level). 3 to 4 nights in a balcony cabin, includes gratuities. Blackout dates: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s week (valued at $1,600).

🏖️ 7-Night Stay in a 2-Bedroom Villa 🏖️

At the Sheraton Broadway Resort Villas in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (valued at $1,800).

📿 14k Yellow Gold Necklace 📿

With .25 carats of diamonds and white enamel (valued at $2,700).

Click "Golden Ticket Raffle" on the left side of the page to enter!

🎫 🎫 🎫

Your golden ticket is more than a chance to win, it’s a way to help children and families in our community heal, grow, and thrive.

There's just over a month left until CAPACares’ 50th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, October 11th, 2025, at The Madrid. Reserve your spot now and get ready to enjoy dazzling entertainment, delicious fare, live music, and more!

:: 2025 Sponsors & Mission Partners

Leading the Way to a Safer Community

We’re still welcoming sponsors and partners for CAPACares’ 50th Anniversary Gala on October 11, 2025. It’s a powerful opportunity to show your support alongside 300+ supporters and friends.

To learn more and secure your spot, please contact Michele Crumbaugh at mcrumbaugh@capacares.org.

:: Funder Feature

Jackson County COMBAT and STRiVIN'

Jackson County COMBAT's STRiVIN' program (Striving Together to Reduce Violence in Neighborhoods) brings together schools, police, social service agencies, and community groups to make our neighborhoods safer and stronger. STRiVIN’ creates "hubs" where local partners can share updates, ask for help, and plan events that support families.

Through STRiVIN's referral system, thousands of families have already been connected to resources like housing help, counseling, and job support. At CAPACares, our Community Education and Family Support teams join these meetings to collaborate and share information, helping ensure families in Jackson County get the care and support they need.

COMBAT stands for COMmunity Backed Anti-Crime Tax, and provides grants to nonprofits based in, and providing services in, Jackson County. CAPACares is just one of many organizations that benefits from this funding.