October 2025

Greetings!


Child Advocacy Game Day Challenge Fundraiser

Each fall, we host our annual Game Day Challenge as a fun and easy way to raise money for Child Advocacy. Check out all the details on the flyer below—we’d love for you to get involved and help support our mission!


October is Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month

This month, we’re sharing important information on safe sleep practices for infants. You’ll find an informative article below with helpful tips and resources. If you have additional questions or would like more information, please call our office at (989) 463-1422.


Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter,

Staci Bigelow

Volunteer/Event Coordinator

Check out our website www.childadvocacy.net.

Upcoming Events

Child Advocacy Lunch & Learn

Thursday, October 2, 2025

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


Lunch & Learns are held quarterly the first Thursday of the month at Child Advocacy. Please see the detailed flyer below for event details and registration information.



Gratiot County Substance and Suicide Prevention Coalition Meeting

Monday, October 13, 2025

1:00 p.m.


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


Like a Footprint in Wet Cement: Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Children

Friday, October 17, 2025

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


Virtual Event - click this link https://tinyurl.com/y6dr39sp to register! Please see the detailed flyer below for event information and registration details.


Breastfeeding Basics

Saturday, October 18, 2025

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


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

Survivors Of Suicide Group

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

7:00 p.m.


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


Gratiot County Breastfeeding Coalition

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

4:30 p.m.


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


Game Day Challenge

Friday, October 24, 2025


Please see the detailed flyer below for game day details! Please contact Staci at staci@childadvocacy.net with any questions.



Child Abuse and Neglect Council Advisory Committee

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

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


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


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


Oliver 
Child Advocacy Therapy Dog

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Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month 2025

Ashley Tupper

CAN Family Resource Coordinator


This October, we recognize Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month in Michigan—a reminder of how critical it is to protect our youngest community members during sleep. Each year, more than 3,500 infants in the United States die from sleep-related causes, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. Many of these tragedies are preventable through safe sleep practices.


By following simple but essential guidelines, we can reduce risks and help every baby sleep more safely:


Always Place Baby on Their Back

For every nap and bedtime, place your baby on their back in a safe sleep space, such as a crib, bassinet, or pack-n-play.


Use a Firm Mattress

Choose a firm mattress with a tightly fitted sheet. Avoid pillows, bumper pads, or other soft bedding.


Keep the Sleep Area Clutter-Free

A baby’s sleep space should be free of toys, blankets, and stuffed animals to prevent suffocation hazards.


Avoid Overheating

Use a sleep sack, wearable blanket, or footed sleeper instead of loose blankets. Keep your baby’s head uncovered.


Educate All Caregivers

Share safe sleep guidelines with babysitters, grandparents, and anyone else who cares for your baby.


Helpful Resources for Safe Sleep Education


Our goal is to spread awareness, clear up common misconceptions, and provide families and caregivers with tools to make safe sleep a reality. Recommendations may change over time, which can cause confusion—so reliable, up-to-date information is key.


📞 For more information or educational materials, contact us at (989) 463-1422.


📦 Order Free Safe Sleep Materials


Organizations and businesses in Michigan can request free safe sleep resources at Healthy Michigan.


By working together, we can protect infants and reduce sleep-related deaths across Michigan. Thank you for helping us keep babies safe.

Greetings,


Happy Fall! This is one of my favorite seasons here in Central Michigan. Thank you to everyone who participated in our Suicide Prevention Month activities and to all who supported our Trivia Night Fundraiser—players, donors, and sponsors. Your involvement truly makes a difference, and we could not do this work without you.


As we begin a new fiscal year, we’re looking forward to a full calendar of trainings, events, and opportunities to serve our community. This month, we’re honored to host two exceptional presenters:



  • Amelia Siders, Ph.D.Substance Use and Trauma: Effective Intervention for Professionals and Families



  • Victor Vieth, Zero Abuse ProjectLike a Footprint in Wet Cement: Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Children


You’ll find more information in the flyers below. Be sure to follow us on Facebook (Child Advocacy – Gratiot County) to stay connected with all our upcoming offerings. Have a great October!


Jennifer Stambaugh

President & CEO

Child Advocacy Flyers