May 2025

Dear Staci,


May is National Foster Care Month!


We are thankful for our CASA volunteers and the work they do to support children in the foster care system!


We invite you to attend the "Telling Their Stories" art show and our annual Child Advocacy Banquet. Both of these events are being held this month, full details below. We hope to see you there. 



Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter,

Staci Bigelow

Volunteer/Event Coordinator

Check out our website www.childadvocacy.net.

Upcoming Events

Telling Their Stories Art Exhibit Opening Night

Thursday, May 1, 2025

4:00p.m. - 5:30p.m.


Please see the detailed flyer below for more details.


Telling Their Stories Art Exhibit

May 1st - May 15th

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

11:00a.m - 4:00p.m.


Please see the detailed flyer below for more details.


Child Advocacy Raffle

Friday, May 9, 2025

Drawing will be held at 9:45 directly following the Designer Purse Bingo event. Need not be present to win.


On Sale Now! please call (989)463-1422 or visit Child Advocacy to purchase. See flyer below.



Gratiot County Substance and Suicide Prevention Coalition Meeting

Monday, May 12, 2025

1:00 p.m.


If interested in attending or for more information please email Emily at emily@childadvocacy.net.


Child Abuse and Neglect Council Advisory Committee

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.


Please contact Darby at darby@childadvocacy.net for more information.


Survivors Of Suicide Group

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

7:00 p.m.


Please see the flyer below for more information or email Emily at emily@childadvocacy.net.

Child Advocacy Banquet

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

12:00p.m. - 1:30p.m. Central Michigan Youth for Christ


Please join us to celebrate those who advocate and care for children, and for those who strive to improve the welfare of children and their families.


To purchase tickets please call (989)463-1422.


Weighing Benefit and Risk When Prescribing Opioids

Thursday, May 22, 2025

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.


Please see the detailed flyer below for more details.


Gratiot County Breastfeeding Coalition

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

4:00 p.m.


If interested in attending or for more information please contact Amanda at amanda@childadvocacy.net.


Child Advocacy Lunch & Learn

Thursday, June 5, 2025

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


Lunch & Learns are held every other month on the first Thursday of the month at Child Advocacy.


Champions for Child Advocacy

Golf Outing

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Registration at 8:00 a.m.

Shotgun start at 9:00 a.m.


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


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




Child Advocacy is a non-profit agency with a mission to promote, support, and strengthen the well-being of our community.


Our Staff



Jennifer Stambaugh

President & CEO 

jennifer@childadvocacy.net

 

Pam Scherzer

Office Manager

pam@childadvocacy.net


Staci Bigelow

Event & Volunteer Coordinator

staci@childadvocacy.net

 

Emily Rayburn

GCSSPP Director

emily@childadvocacy.net


Sara Krebs 

GCSSPP Prevention Coordinator 

sara@childadvocacy.net


Rachel Molands

GCSSPP Prevention Educator

rachel@childadvocacy.net


Rachael Wakley

GCSSPP Support Specialist rachael@childadvocacy.net

 

Richelle Davis 

CAN Prevention Educator

richelle@childadvocacy.net


Ashley Tupper

CAN Family Resource Coordinator

ashley@childadvocacy.net


Amanda Siddall

Breastfeeding Coalition Coordinator

amanda@childadvocacy.net

 

Michelle Zombeck 

CASA Program Director 

michelle@childadvocacy.net

 

Darby Chaffin 

CAC/CAN Program Director

darby@childadvocacy.net


Tiffany LaBlance

CAC Victim Advocate

tiffany@childadvocacy.net

 

Mandi Luft

CAC Case Manager

mandi@childadvocacy.net

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Youth Telling Their Stories Through Artwork

Michelle Zombeck

CASA Program Director


May ushers in a season of vibrant growth and breathtaking beauty, creating an ideal backdrop for Child Advocacy’s upcoming "Telling Their Story" Art Exhibit in 2025.

 

This meaningful art show will feature the talents of artists from Court Appointed Special Advocates, the Children’s Advocacy Center, and Above the Influence—a transformative program offered by the Gratiot County Substance & Suicide Prevention Program. Each piece will resonate with the emotions and experiences of its creator, showcasing the power of art as a medium for healing.

 

Art provides an essential outlet, allowing young artists to vividly convey their innermost feelings and stories onto canvas. Child Advocacy is deeply honored to foster a safe and supportive environment where these talented youth can express their unique narratives and share their journeys with the community.

 

We warmly invite the community to be a part of this inspiring experience by attending our Opening Night on May 1, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM at the charming Alma Community Art Center, located at 213 East Superior Street. Immerse yourself in the creativity and resilience of our young artists as you explore their incredible artwork, which will remain on display until May 15, 2025. The exhibit will be open for viewing every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For further information or inquiries, please don’t hesitate to call Child Advocacy at (989) 463-1422.

 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Alma Community Art Center for their generous collaboration on this inspiring project, helping to shine a light on the voices of our youth.


Greetings,



I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who participated in our Child Abuse Prevention Month activities this past month. It was wonderful to see all of the Blue Monday pictures, pinwheel gardens, participation in the featured trainings, and community give-backs. Thanks for helping to share about Child Abuse Prevention in our community!


We are excited to host our annual Child Advocacy Banquet on Wednesday, May 21st at 12:00pm. We will be celebrating those in our community that advocate for children in Gratiot County. We will announce our 2025 Audra Stahl Child Advocate of the Year Award and the Child Advocate Organization of the Year Award. For more information or to purchase a ticket, please give us a call at 989-463-1422.


We hope to see you at our events this month!


Jennifer Stambaugh

President & CEO

Child Advocacy Flyers