Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe another year is behind us. I am so proud of the hard work and achievements of our PCA Illinois staff. Throughout the year our staff provided education to thousands of people about child abuse and neglect prevention, developed and implemented creative ways to expand our reach across the state, hosted numerous webinars, developed new trainings, produced our new podcast “The Power to Prevent,” and much more. They also worked with partners like you to share resources and collaborate on new projects. One of our most significant achievements was our 29th Annual Prevent Child Abuse Illinois Statewide Conference held in Naperville on October 26-27. More than 500 of you joined us for this incredible event of learning, networking, and resource sharing. We have already started planning for the conference in 2024!

As we look ahead to the new year, there is more to do to strengthen and support the children and families of Illinois. We know that prevention does not happen alone and is only possible through partnership. I look forward to another year of working in partnership with you to create safe and happy childhoods for Illinois children. I wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year!

Sincerely,

My name Terezz Lee, the recently appointed Director of Communications and Development at PCA Illinois. Graduating with an MBA from Millikin University, my professional background encompasses design, social media, and development. Excitement fuels my work with PCA Illinois, where I aim to deepen my understanding of our impactful work and share our crucial message statewide.

Residing in Decatur, Illinois, I'm immersed in training for my inaugural bodybuilding show this summer while also entertaining my 3-year-old White Swiss Shepherd. Beyond work, I enjoy playing volleyball, exploring new destinations, and creating content to inspire others. My enthusiasm for joining PCA Illinois extends beyond personal growth, as I aspire to amplify awareness of our mission throughout the state, ensuring everyone is well-informed about the vital work we undertake.

• National Human Trafficking Hotline -- Recognizing the Signs
• Human Trafficking Information and Statistics
• Hope for Justice -- What is Human Trafficking?
• Center for Prevention of Abuse
• Cook County Human Trafficking Task Force
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

If you'd like more information or are interested in scheduling a training, contact Kristin Kaufman at kkaufman@pcaillinois.org or Jennifer Samartano at jsamartano@pcaillinois.org

April Child Abuse Prevention Month (CAP Month) is right around the corner! Are you ready to support the cause? Below are 5 ideas for ways to get involved and help raise awareness of CAP Month throughout Illinois.

1. Order pinwheels now and start planning where you'll plant pinwheel gardens in your community.

2. Organize a fundraiser such as a golf outing, garage sale, 5-K run, trivia night, flower sale, movie night, etc. to benefit Prevent Child Abuse Illinois or other family support agencies.

3. Participate in Wear Blue Day on Friday, April 5th, 2024. Invite your friends, family and coworkers to particpate and help raise awareness of CAP Month.

PCA Illinois will again offer a Wear Blue Day T-shirt this year!

Please look out for an order form in the coming weeks!

4. Schedule a training for your organization, church, or community group on child abuse and neglect prevention topics. Contact staff here.

5. Save the date: March 5th, 12 PM for our CAP Month Toolkit webinar. Don't miss out on this important discussion.

February is National Parent Leadership Month!

Each February, we recognize the important work parents and caregivers give to ensure all children are raised in healthy and safe environments. It is a month long celebration of parents for all they do for their children and communities. This February we are excited to highlight a few ways you can celebrate all parents.

Parents are an important voice in family strengthening and child abuse prevention efforts, and ensuring they have a place at the table is essential for positive prevention outcomes.

Be sure to visit our website and follow us on social media throughout the month of February for more resources!

Click the title of the webinar below to register!



ACEs: Historical Trauma In The Midwest Tuesday, January 23rd 1:00pm

Save The Date: Drug Endangered Children Awareness webinar Thursday, February 15th 11:30am

Save The Date: Lunch & Learn CAP Month Toolkit webinar Tuesday, March 5th 12:00pm