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June 2026 | Issue 5
Together, We Can Help Children Heal
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Dear Neighbors, Friends, & Advocates,
Every child deserves to grow up feeling safe.
It is a simple statement, yet for too many children in Delaware and across our nation, safety is not guaranteed. Behind closed doors, children witness violence, experience trauma, and navigate circumstances that no young person should have to endure. The effects of domestic violence ripple far beyond the individuals directly involved. They impact entire families, shape childhood development, and influence the future health and well-being of our communities.
At CHILD, Inc., we see these realities every day.
For more than sixty years, our organization has worked alongside children and families facing some of life's most difficult challenges. Through prevention, intervention, and treatment programs, we help children heal, support families in crisis, and create pathways toward lives free from violence. While the services we provide are critical, one truth has remained constant throughout our history: ending domestic violence is not the responsibility of any one organization alone.
It is a responsibility we share as a community.
Domestic violence is often viewed through the lens of immediate safety, and rightly so. Protecting victims and providing emergency support must always remain a priority. But if we truly want to end cycles of violence, we must also recognize the profound impact domestic violence has on children.
Children who grow up in violent households often carry invisible wounds. They may struggle in school, experience anxiety or depression, face challenges forming healthy relationships, or carry trauma into adulthood. Yet with support and access to services, these same children can heal, thrive, and build brighter futures.
That is why prevention matters.
It is why intervention matters.
And it is why community matters.
When a child has a safe place to turn, a counselor who listens, a teacher who notices, a neighbor who cares, or a community willing to invest in their future, healing becomes possible.
The good news is that creating safer communities does not require extraordinary acts. It often begins with simple actions:
- Checking in on a struggling family.
- Volunteering your time.
- Supporting organizations that provide services to children and survivors.
- Learning the signs of abuse
- Speaking up when something does not seem right.
- Having conversations about healthy relationships with the young people in your life.
Collectively, these actions create a culture where violence is less tolerated, support is more accessible, and families have the resources they need to succeed.
As we recognize TogetherTuesday this June, we are reminded of an important truth: meaningful change happens when people come together around a common purpose.
The purpose at CHILD, Inc. is clear. We envision a Delaware where every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. A Delaware where families have access to support before crises escalate. A Delaware where domestic violence is prevented whenever possible and addressed compassionately and effectively when it occurs.
Achieving that vision will take all of us: nonprofit organizations, businesses, schools, faith communities, government leaders, volunteers, donors, and neighbors working together. It will require a collective commitment to putting children first and recognizing that the health of our communities is directly connected to the well-being of our families.
The work of ending domestic violence and helping children heal is not confined to a single day, month, or awareness campaign. It is ongoing work that demands our attention and our action year-round.
At CHILD, Inc., we remain committed to leading that work. We invite our community to join us—not only on TogetherTuesday, but every day—as we build safer futures for Delaware's children and families.
With Gratitude,
Lori Sitler, Ph.D.
Executive Director
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TogetherTuesday, June 23, 2026, is an event that uplifts the spirit of generosity in local communities across Delaware. It invites individuals, nonprofits, and community leaders to organize simple acts of care that make generosity visible.
This TogetherTuesday, we invite our community to come together through simple acts of kindness that make a lasting impact on children and families in need.
CHILD, Inc. is collecting essential items to support the children and families we serve throughout Delaware. Your donation can help provide comfort, stability, and hope to those facing challenging circumstances.
Most Needed Items:
- Click here to check out our wish list!
- Diapers (especially size 3)
- Mops, Buckets, Brooms and Dustpans – for those victims starting out on their own in a new apartment or house.
- Socks - for runaway and homeless youth
Every item donated helps us continue our mission of empowering children, strengthening families, and building brighter futures.
Consider attaching some words of encouragement with your donated items:
• Handwritten notes
• Greeting cards
• Letters of encouragement
• Drawings from children
• Inspirational messages
• Words of hope, strength, and resilience
Your message may be the encouragement someone needs during a difficult day.
Ideas for Messages:
💜 "You are stronger than you know."
💜 "You are worthy of love, safety, and happiness."
💜 "Your story is not over."
💜 "You are brave, valued, and never alone."
💜 "Better days are ahead."
Together, we can remind vulnerable women and children that their community believes in them, supports them, and is cheering them on every step of the way.
A simple note can become a lasting source of hope.
Join us this TogetherTuesday and show what is possible when a community comes together for its children.
All items may be dropped off:
Monday – Friday | 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
CHILD, Inc. | 507 Philadelphia Pike | Wilmington, DE 19809
Together, we can make a difference—one act of generosity at a time!
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Should you wish to make a financial contribution this TogetherTuesday, we invite you to make a meaningful investment in the safety, healing, and future of children and families served by CHILD, Inc.
Your financial contribution helps provide:
• Emergency support for survivors of domestic violence
• Safe and nurturing programs for children
• Family strengthening and prevention services
• Basic necessities for families in crisis
Every dollar makes a difference.
Whether your gift is $10, $25, $50, or more, you are helping create a safer and brighter future for those who need it most.
This TogetherTuesday, join us in showing that when a community comes together, hope grows stronger.
| | Qualified Charitable Distributions | | If you are at least 70 ½ years old and wish to make a charitable contribution to CHILD, Inc. with available funds from your individual retirement account (IRA), you may make a transfer directly from your IRA to a 501(c)(3) charitable organization through a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) in 2026. A QCD is especially helpful if you are at least 73 years old because the QCD can be applied to offset the required minimum distributions (RMD) that you must withdraw from your IRA. Consult your tax advisor or financial planner for more information. | |
Congratulations!
Kids Place Stars
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Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Graduation Ceremony
Congratulations to our graduates Estafania Flores-Vazques and Julian Taylor!
ESTAFANIA FLORES-VAZQUES
Stefanie has been a wonderful addition to the Kids Place family as a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) for the past two years. Stefanie has been a steady presence during after school and summer programming, having assisted in homework help, arts and crafts activities, special trips and Summer of Service programs. In addition, Stefanie has provided critical assistance communicating with our Spanish speaking families.
This year Stefanie graduated from Glasgow High School with plans to attend the University of Delaware majoring in education in the Fall. We are lucky to have Stefanie remain at Kids Place this summer assisting in the KP Summer Program. We know Stefanie has a bright future in education working with kids as she has demonstrated at Kids Place. Good luck, Stefanie!
JULIAN TAYLOR
Julian has been involved with Kids Place since its inception in 2014. As a child he participated in all the KP activities with a special interest in sports and arts programming. At age 16, Julian joined the Counselor-in-Training staff. His calm manner and ability to connect with the kids made him an important part of the KP team.
Julian is a recent graduate of Glasgow High School. During his time at Glasgow, Julian excelled in Track and the Arts. Julian has enlistment in the Marine Corp. At the end of June, Julian will report to Parris Island for basic training. We wish Julian the best and expect to see him in the future when he returns home for visits. Best of luck, Julian!
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Moving Up Ceremony
We gathered at CHILD, Inc.'s Kid's Place in the Sparrow Run Community and celebrated an important milestone during our Moving Up Ceremony.
We recognized the hard work, growth, and achievements of children as they completed their current grade level and prepared for the opportunities and challenges of the next. Students were applauded for their dedication throughout the school year and cheered on as they took the next step in their educational journey.
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Congratulations to all!
Keep learning, growing, and reaching for your goals!
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CHILD, Inc. Annual 5K Race
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Thank You for Making the 29th Annual
Race Against Domestic Violence a Success!
On Sunday, May 17th, we proudly hosted the 29th Annual Race Against Domestic Violence 5K at Autumn Arch Beer Project, and what an incredible day it was!
We are deeply grateful to the 230 participants who registered for this year's race, as well as the many volunteers, sponsors, supporters, and community members who joined us in taking a stand against domestic violence. Your presence, enthusiasm, and generosity helped make this event a meaningful celebration of community, hope, and advocacy.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, donated, volunteered, sponsored, and cheered on our runners and walkers. Your commitment strengthens our work and helps ensure that survivors have access to the resources, advocacy, and support they deserve.
Because of you, the 29th Annual Race Against Domestic Violence was a tremendous success. We are honored by your partnership and look forward to seeing you again next year as we continue racing toward a future free from domestic violence.
Shout Out to our Teams! - PJ Fitzpatrick, Graham Family, Love With No Limits, Family Court, Franklin Mint Condition, Team DOJ, Autumn Arch Run Club, DCADV, WE SERVE, Middletown Athletic Club (MAC), DCADV, We'll get there... eventually
Thank You to our Sponsors! - Autumn Arch, Barbacane Thornton & Company, Gallagher, Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP
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Save The Date: May 16, 2027 for our 30th Annual
Race Against Domestic Violence!
As part of our 30th anniversary event - we are planning a Summer Sneaker Drive! Bring a pair of sneakers for a child in need.
Stay tuned in early 2027 for registration information, sponsorship opportunities, and exciting plans as we commemorate the 30th anniversary of this beloved community event.
| Thank You For Your Support! | |
We extend our deepest gratitude to each of you; our supporters, volunteers, partners, advocates, and friends. Because of your generosity and commitment, children find safety, families discover hope, and lives are transformed every day.
Thank you for standing with us, believing in our mission, and helping us make a lasting difference. Together, we are building stronger families, safer communities, and a more hopeful tomorrow.
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507 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809
(302) 762-8989
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