November 2022

Dear Audra,


Happy Thanksgiving!


We have so many things to be thankful for at Child Advocacy and most of all, you! Thank you to everyone who receives our Newsletter and for all of the wonderful support you give throughout the year. 



Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter,

Staci Bigelow

Volunteer/Event Coordinator

Check out our website www.childadvocacy.net.

Child Advocacy Lunch & Learn

Thursday, November 3, 2022

11:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m.


Lunch & Learns are held the first Thursday of each month, please see the detailed flyer below for this months topic and registration information.


Baby Pantry Volunteer Information Session

Monday, November 7, 2022

11:00 a.m.


Please see the detailed flyer below for event information and registration details.


Caregiver Support Group Virtual Meeting

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

6:00 p.m.


Please email Morgan at morgan@childadvocacy.net for more information or for the presentation link.


Gratiot County Substance Abuse Coalition Meeting

Monday, November 14, 2022

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.


If interested in attending or for more information please email Emily at

emily@childadvocacy.net.


CASA Information Session

Monday, November 14, 2022

8:30 a.m.


Please see the detailed flyer below for event information and registration details.


DARKNESS TO LIGHT'S Stewards of

Children Training

Monday, November 28, 2022

9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.


Registration required and limited to 15 participants. Contact Morgan at 989-463-1422 or morgan@childadvocacy.net to reserve your space.


For more information on upcoming events and trainings please see detailed flyers below or visit our website at www.ChildAdvocacy.net


About Us 



Child Advocacy is a non-profit agency with a mission to improve the welfare of children and their families through education, training, and support for the prevention of substance abuse and child abuse and neglect.


Our Staff



Audra Stahl 

President & CEO 

audra@childadvocacy.net

 

Pam Scherzer

Office Manager

pam@childadvocacy.net


Staci Bigelow

Event/Volunteer Coordinator

staci@childadvocacy.net

 

Emily Rayburn

GCSAC Program Director

emily@childadvocacy.net


Sara Krebs 

GCSAC Prevention

Coordinator 

sara@childadvocacy.net


Ryan Donley

GCSAC Prevention Educator

ryan@childadvocacy.net


Zach Bates

GCSAC Prevention Educator

zach@childadvocacy.net

 

Morgan Rooy

CAN Program Director

morgan@childadvocacy.net

 

Richelle Davis 

CAN Prevention Educator

richelle@childadvocacy.net


Amanda Siddall

Breastfeeding Coalition Coordinator

amanda@childadvocacy.net

 

Michelle Zombeck 

CASA Program Director 

michelle@childadvocacy.net

 

Rachel Molands

CASA Recruitment Coordinator

rachel@childadvocacy.net

 

Heather Therrien 

CAC Program Director

heather@childadvocacy.net


Jennifer Stambaugh

CAC Victim Advocate

jennifer@childadvocacy.net

 

Nicole Showers

CAC Case Manager

nicole@childadvocacy.net
































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Gratiot County Substance Abuse Coalition


Patricia Wagner Michigan CASA Volunteer of the Year


On October 21, 2022 surrounded by family, friends, and the CASA network, Karen Kerr received the 2022 Patricia Wagner Michigan CASA Volunteer of the Year!

 

Karen’s CASA story began when she served on the Foster Care Review Board. As she learned about the impact a CASA could make on a case, she knew right then, she wanted to be one. On May 9, 2013, Karen was sworn in as a CASA Volunteer in Gratiot County.

 

For the past nine and a half years, Karen has been assigned to five cases and advocated for 12 children. Karen has traveled well over 13,000 miles to ensure a child has their voice heard. For the past 59 months, Karen has spent over 2,830 hours on case-related activities. For the past 35 months (which includes a global pandemic), she attended 279 child visits, medical appointments, school meetings, and parenting visits.

 

CASA of Gratiot County and our partner agencies applaud all the efforts Karen takes when involved on a case. Follow-through is never a question with Karen, as her desire to make a difference is evident in all aspects of her role as a volunteer. Karen does an outstanding job communicating with staff, service providers, and the families involved in her cases. On numerous occasions, Karen’s reports have assisted in making critical decisions for children and families. Karen ensures that a child’s voice is heard throughout their journey to permanency. Karen is the true definition of dedication. She has a talent for recognizing areas for growth for families, and aiding in the solution. We are incredibly appreciative of everything Karen does for CASA and our community’s most vulnerable youth!

 

Please join us in celebrating Karen Kerr for this incredible honor! 



Rachel Molands

CASA Recruitment Coordinator


New Program at Child Advocacy


We are happy to announce our new program, The Gratiot County Breastfeeding Coalition, here at Child Advocacy. The Gratiot County Breastfeeding Coalition is aspiring to normalize, promote, and support breastfeeding within our community.


Our Monthly Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of every month at 4:30pm in the Child Advocacy Training Room, with Zoom as an option for those unable to attend in person. We welcome anyone that is interested in learning more about the lactation resources available in our area. By bringing community members and the healthcare professionals that serve this population all together in one space, we are working towards identifying the barriers families are currently experiencing in reaching their breastfeeding goals. With the support from our community, we look forward to celebrating breastfeeding through outreach and educational opportunities!


Visit our Facebook page 'Gratiot County Breastfeeding Coalition' or gcbreastfeedingcoalition.com for more information! 



Amanda Siddall

Gratiot County Breastfeeding

Coalition Coordinator

Greetings,


Child Advocacy continues to grow and serve as many children and families as possible in Gratiot County. We are witnessing hard times in our community with the most basic of needs not being met. If you would like to help us this holiday season by donating Meijer and Walmart gift cards for food, gas cards, Baby Pantry supplies, coats, snow pants, and winter gear, or even by sponsoring a child in foster care through our “Fostering Joy” program we would sincerely appreciate your help! You can find details on how to help by reaching out to use by phone 989-463-1422, email, Facebook, or by checking our website at www.childadvocacy.net.



If you need help please don’t hesitate to reach out to us this holiday season and throughout the year. We are always here for you!


Sincerely,

Audra Stahl

President & CEO

Child Advocacy Flyers