June 2025

Dear Staci,


Welcome Summer!


Our 2nd Annual Champions for Child Advocacy Golf Outing registration is open! This event will take place on July 24, 2025 in Ithaca at the Fields Golf Course. The registration flyer is listed below with event details and sponsorship information.


Register your team today - https://forms.gle/fwZGLXYGbfg9zYGa9



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, 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.


Gratiot County Substance and Suicide Prevention Coalition Meeting

Monday, June 9, 2025

1:00 p.m.


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


Improving Access to Care for Polysubstance Use Disorders Including Opioids

Thursday, June 12, 2025

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


Please see the detailed flyer below for more details.


Survivors Of Suicide Group

Tuesday, June 17, 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, June 25, 2025

4:00 p.m.


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


Child Abuse and Neglect Council Advisory Committee

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

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


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


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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24:7 Dad

Dave Blandford

Fatherhood Program Educator


Research consistently shows that children who have engaged fathers tend to perform better academically, exhibit fewer behavioral problems, and have higher self-esteem. When dads take the time to read, play, talk, and share everyday routines with their kids, it fosters a sense of security and belonging. These moments, however small they may seem, contribute to a child’s overall sense of being valued and loved.

Whether it's learning to solve problems, practicing empathy through conversation, or developing resilience through challenges, the unique perspective and guidance a father brings can leave a lasting impact. Dads modeling healthy relationships and emotional and physical well-being, help children navigate their own interactions and emotions more effectively.


In a world where work demands and digital distractions, especially our phones, often dominate our attention, the simple act of a father spending quality time with his children holds immense value. A father’s presence and active involvement in his children’s lives play a crucial role in shaping emotional, social, and cognitive development.

For fathers, spending time with their kids is equally beneficial. It deepens their connection, brings joy, and offers the opportunity to witness their children grow and learn. These shared experiences build trust and open lines of communication that become invaluable as children move through the different stages of life.


Time is one of the most precious gifts a father can offer, and it's often the one that leaves the deepest impact. Please encourage the fathers in your life to listen, play, create, and imagine with their children.

We are looking for dads at all stages of their fathering journey to join us for our next session of 24:7 Dad launching in the fall. 24:7 Dad provides a space for fathers to grow and develop as caring and compassionate people. It provides tools and strategies for communication, discipline, wellness, and handling emotions. It is a supportive environment designed by dads for dads.



Classes consist of two-hour sessions occurring weekly for six weeks at Child Advocacy. Our next class will begin on September 24th. Advanced registration is required. Classes are free and include gas cards and a light dinner. For more information contact me at dave@childadvocacy.net


2025 Child Advocacy Award Winners and Years of Service

Outgoing Board Members -

Tammy Halfmann and Jennifer Siefker

2025 Above the Influence Positive Influencer Awards -

Braxton McNamee and Taylor Woodbury

CAN Years of Service Awards -

1 year - Katie Yourchock and 5 year - Michelle Monroe

Lifetime Service Award honoring Sue Leonard

2025 Child Advocate Organization of the Year -

MyMichigan Medical Center Alma

2025 Audra Stahl Child Advocate of the Year -

Honorable Kristin M. Bakker

Greetings,



Thank you to everyone that joined us for our Child Advocacy Annual Celebration this past month. We appreciated the opportunity to honor and celebrate those who work to improve the lives of children and their families in Gratiot County. Congratulations to this year’s Child Advocate of the Year, Honorable Kristin Bakker. Also, congratulations to MyMichigan Medical Center Alma for receiving the Child Advocate Organization of the Year. 

 

To begin summer, we will be hosting a very important Lunch and Learn that focuses on instilling resiliency in ourselves, our children, our workplace, and our community-Gratiot County Strong (see the flyer below). We hope you will join us on June 5th to learn more.



To stay informed about upcoming training and events throughout the summer, follow us on Facebook: Child Advocacy-Gratiot County. Have a safe and happy summer!



Jennifer Stambaugh

President & CEO

Child Advocacy Flyers