Brooklyn Moses is finishing out her third summer as a SCAN intern. Her hard work, bright smile, and dedication have been an incredible asset to SCAN. We are thankful to have Brooklyn as part of the SCAN community and wish her luck as she heads to college this year!

How did you first get involved with SCAN?

When I was an undergraduate in high school I was a member of Partnership for the Future, which is a scholarship program for high-achieving students with low-income. They assist their students through the college process with things like informative sessions, SAT prep, scholarship help, and summer internships. I was one of the only sophomore students in the program to be given the opportunity to interview for an internship, and that is where I found out about Greater Richmond SCAN. That first summer in 2020 was especially daunting. It was my first official work experience and I navigated it in the midst of Covid. With that being said, I did not navigate it alone. The folks at SCAN were very understanding and had set up the tone for a memorable and enjoyable internship.

Is there anything you wish other people knew about SCAN so far?

My friends and family have often asked me where I work and that question is immediately followed up with, “What does SCAN stand for?” When the people around me hear Stop Child Abuse Now it seems that they immediately assume that this is a particularly heavy establishment that strives to fix individual situations regarding individuals under the age of 18. In my experience SCAN works to better communities as a whole, offering help to children, parents, and various individuals who express an interest in becoming more mindful. They host informative trainings, workshops, events, and more to engage with people. There are multiple branches that work towards a common goal, and work to better the lives of families and, in turn, the greater population. The people who work at Greater Richmond SCAN are an incredibly mindful and diverse group of individuals, and there are so many moving parts that make this establishment possible. It would be impossible to simplify the work that they do down to a sentence.

Do you have any other goals or hopes for next year?

Next year I will be a freshman at James Madison University where I will double major in computer science and dance. The following summer I have plans to travel within the country attending dance intensives and interning for dance festivals.

Are you involved with any other community organizations, hobbies, or activities?

I am a collegiate student for Partnership for the Future, a Center for the Arts alumni form Henrico High School, A member of the Black Virginia Theatre Alliance for Youth, and an incoming freshman at James Madison University.

What might someone be surprised to learn about you?

Both the performing and visual arts have been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have been dancing since I was in diapers. In middle school I would edit videos, write stories, and I taught myself to draw and play the piano. Later, I would graduate from a performing arts high school where I had double majored as a dance and theatre student. Now, I plan on furthering my education into college. 

Circle Preschool Now Enrolling for Fall 2023

View a video tour of the Circle Preschool Program on SCAN's YouTube.

Check out the items needed for SCAN's Circle Preschool classroom and donate through their Amazon wishlist

Save the Dates

Child Advocate's Breakfast

October 4, 2023

7:30am - 8:30am

Country Club of Virginia

Join SCAN's Board of Directors for an hour-long breakfast highlighting SCAN's work

More information to come. 

Rally for SCAN

(formerly For the Love of Tennis)

October 13, 2023

 Salisbury Country Club

The event will include tennis and pickle ball components and

have multiple ticket options.

More details to come.

Trunk or Treat to benefit Greater Richmond SCAN

Hardywood West Creek

October 29, 2023

12 noon - 4pm

We invite individuals, families, businesses, and groups to get

involved by hosting a trunk.

Learn more and sign up now to host a trunk!

Now Recruiting for Fall Richmond CASA Training Class

There are children in Richmond City in need of an advocate and you can help. You don’t need to be a social worker, attorney or politician to change the system. CASA volunteers have the opportunity to make a difference for one child at a time. By advocating for a child, you can get involved in changing the system for the better.

Learn more about what it takes to be a Richmond CASA volunteer and consider applying for our Fall 2023 training class.

Reach out to Sarah-Keel Crews, SCAN Volunteer Coordinator, with any questions.

Thank You Virginia Credit Union!

Our friends at Virginia Credit Union stopped by the SCAN office earlier this month with a big donation of snacks and craft supplies to support our Child Advocacy Centers, Family Support Program and Circle Preschool.

A huge thank you to all the employees that organized and contributed to this amazing drive for SCAN!

If you are interested in hosting a snack drive for SCAN, please reach out to our Operations Coordinator, Kasey Brach.

Welcome New SCAN Board of Directors and BYP Members!

SCAN Board of Directors:

Gwendolyn Belle

Jhonny Cedeno

Kasey George

Adam Houck

Jeniece Roane

SCAN Board of Young Professionals:

Joelle Agena

Vincent D'Amico

Emma Duncan

Natalie Kensicki  

Ashli Luse

Erum Manzur 

Namita Raghavan

Sarah Ramkey 

Upcoming Volunteer Orientation

Volunteering is a great way to get involved and make a difference at Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now). We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available depending on interest and availability.

Learn more by signing up to attend our new Volunteer Orientation on August 8 from 6:00-7:30pm.

Reach out to Sarah-Keel Crews with any questions.

Sign up here

A special thank you to the Hilb Group! Their staff and interns volunteered to help organize and clean the SCAN basement earlier this month. SCAN employees can now better utilize and access the space for our program and event materials.

Overcoming Adversity & Building Resilience

August 3, 2023

10:00am-12:00pm EST via Zoom 

This training will provide a brief review of trauma and its impacts as well as introduce the 7 Cs of building resilience. Participants will learn about adverse and positive childhood experiences as well as strategies for building individual and community resilience.

Register Here

Resilience Film Screening

August 8, 2023

1:00-2:30pm EST via Zoom

Resilience is a one-hour documentary that delves into the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the birth of a new movement to treat and prevent toxic stress. 

View the official trailer here.

Register Here

Introduction to Trauma & Trauma-Informed Care

August 16, 2023

10:00am-12:00pm EST via Zoom

This training provides a foundational learning experience around the topics of trauma and trauma-informed care. We will define trauma, discuss the many types of trauma/adversity, explore the impact of trauma on the brain and behavior, introduce resilience, and discuss SAMHSA’s 4 Rs of trauma-informed care. Throughout the presentation, we will share useful tools and techniques.

Register Here 

Self Care & Wellness

August 17, 2023

10:00-11:30am EST via Zoom

This training will help participants develop an understanding of how stress and trauma affect our state of well-being. We will explore wellness and self-care practices and tools that help promote emotional regulation, compassion, empathy, and calm in our environments. In addition, we will examine ways to create healthy boundaries to establish safe and positive relationships with the self and with others.

Register Here

Stewards of Children (In-Person)

August 29, 2023

6:00-8:00 pm EST at the Libbie Mill Library

Stewards of Children® is an evidence-informed, award-winning training that teaches adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Through interviews with child sexual abuse survivors, experts, and treatment providers, Stewards of Children® teaches adults practical actions they can take to reduce instances of child sexual abuse in their organizations, families, and communities.

Register at https://forms.gle/MGjyYEGUg5HiLijL8

Trauma-Informed Strategies

September 7, 2023

10:00am-12:00pm EST via Zoom 

This training will provide a brief review of trauma and its impacts as well as introduce the 6 Principles of a Trauma-Informed Approach. Using these principles, participants will learn strategies for creating physical & psychological safety, developing collaborative & supportive relationships, empowering others through voice & choice, and addressing systems of oppression.

Register Here

**Some of these trainings qualify for continuing education credits National Association of Social Workers Virginia chapter. See individual registration link for details.

SCAN's Child Advocacy Centers and Family Support Program children's groups are in need of snack donations. Snacks are offered to children who arrive at our Child Advocacy Centers for forensic interviews, families advocacy services, and trauma-focused treatment therapy and to children who attend Family Support Program children's groups with their caregivers.

Contact SCAN at 804-257-7226 to coordinate a snack donation drop off or send a donation directly through our Amazon Wishlist.

Thank you for your support!