April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
This April, we marked our 150th birthday while continuing our work to advance the well-being of children and strengthen families across New York City and beyond. It was also Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to recognize the importance of prevention and sustained support for families.
Throughout the month, we brought together partners, supporters, and friends to honor our legacy and advocate for safer communities and stronger systems of care—because every child deserves a safe, healthy, and happy childhood. From meaningful conversations to citywide collaboration, Child Abuse Prevention Month was a powerful reminder of how far we've come and how much work remains.
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Hope on the Hudson
In celebration of our 150th anniversary, on April 30 we set sail on the Hudson River for an exciting evening filled with casino-games, cocktails, dancing, and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline.
Thank you to all who attended this incredible event, and for the generous support of our work that serves children and families!
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Join us for our Spring Open House!
Come join us for a tour of our office, meet our team, and learn more about how your support makes a difference for children and families in our community.
Wednesday, May 14th | 8:30-10am
520 Eighth Avenue, Suite 1401
New York, NY 10018
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Shop at Ralph Lauren to Support Children and Families
We are excited to announce that we are once again partnering with the Ralph Lauren stores at Madison Avenue for a charitable shopping weekend benefiting the NYSPCC!
From Friday, May 16th, to Sunday, May 18th, 10% of all purchases (up to $10,000) will be donated to support our mission of supporting children and strengthening families.
This is a great time to shop for summer essentials, find the perfect Father's Day gift, and treat yourself to something special while helping children in our community!
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Welcoming NYC Public Advocate
Jumaane D. Williams
On April 10, the NYSPCC was honored to welcome NYC Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams to our offices in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month and our 150th anniversary.
During his visit, Public Advocate Williams presented us with a formal proclamation and spoke about the importance of protecting New York City’s most vulnerable children. He praised NYSPCC’s legacy of prevention and healing, recognizing our deep impact over the last 150 years.
We were proud to be joined by NYSPCC Board Member Gregory Taylor and Sumudu Waas, Executive Director & COO of Help For Children, both dedicated champions for child safety and wellbeing.
Our heartfelt thanks to Public Advocate Williams, Help for Children, Greg Taylor, Sumudu Waas, and to all of you who support our efforts to build a safer future for every child.
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NYSPCC Convenes Citywide Coalition to Improve Support for Families
On April 3, the NYSPCC welcomed members of its citywide coalition for an in-person meeting focused on improving support for families impacted by domestic violence. Representatives joined from the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV), the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), and the Manhattan, Bronx, and Kings County District Attorney’s Offices for a tour and discussion of shared challenges.
Topics included housing insecurity, access to services, and the need for stronger cross-agency partnerships. Coalition members also explored the benefits of centralized service models to ease access for families in crisis. Together, we remain committed to more coordinated, effective support for families.
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NYSPCC Hosts a Panel Discussion on Shared Challenges Among Child-Serving Organizations
On April 25, the NYSPCC hosted a virtual panel, Where Do We Go From Here? Supporting Children and Families in an Era of Uncertainty, in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Moderated by Anne Mosle (VP & Founder and Executive Director, Aspen Institute & Ascend at the Aspen Institute), the panel featured Aysha E. Schomburg, Clare Anderson, MSW (Senior Policy Fellow, Chapin Hall), Dr. Melissa Merrick (President & CEO, Prevent Child Abuse America), and Sumudu Waas (Executive Director & COO, Help for Children). Together, they explored the challenges facing child-serving organizations, the role of philanthropy, and how lessons from the pandemic can inform today’s work. The panel emphasized the need to lead with clarity in a complex world and the importance of building strong partnerships and community connections to support families.
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Safe Touches Accepted by National Children's Alliance (NCA)
The NYSPCC’s child sexual abuse prevention program, Safe Touches, has been accepted by the National Children’s Alliance (NCA) as an approved Youth Prevention Curriculum.
The NCA's network of Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) can now request to be trained by NYSPCC staff in the Safe Touches curriculum. This exciting development will expand the reach and impact of the Safe Touches program across the country.
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Thank You for your support!
In partnership,
The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
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