Children's Advocacy Center of Kent County

?? ? Celebrating National Reading Month! ?? ? Reading has the power to educate, heal, and inspire—which is why our therapists are sharing some of their favorite books that help kids feel seen, understood, and empowered. ?? Amanda highlights *All Are Welcome* by Alexandra Penfold—a heartwarming story about friendship, acceptance, and belonging, reminding every child they have a place where they are valued. ?? Bria shares *Healing Days: A Guide for Kids Who Have Experienced Trauma* by Susan Farber Straus, offering comfort and reassurance to children on their healing journey. ?? Megan, our Clinical Supervisor, features *But We're Not Lions* by Karen Young, a book that helps kids understand anxiety in a fun and relatable way. This National Reading Month, we celebrate the stories that bring hope, healing, and strength to the children we serve. ??? ?? What are some of your favorite books that help you navigate big feelings and might help others?

? Coffee & Connections: Building a Stronger Community for Kids ?? We had an incredible time at our Coffee & Connections event on February 27, bringing together Board Members, Ambassadors, and Luncheon Table Captains to connect and collaborate. It was a powerful morning filled with conversation, purpose, and a shared commitment to protecting children. With April being Child Abuse Prevention Month, our Board Chair and Wyoming Chief of Police, Chief Kim Koster, shared her impactful experience from 28 years in law enforcement. She spoke about how child sexual abuse is one of the most heinous crimes, and how supporting the Center's mission is something we can all unite behind. ?? We’re still looking for local businesses to partner with us this April to help raise awareness and support for children and families in our community. There are many ways to get involved — whether through sponsorship, hosting an event, or spreading the word. For more information on how you or your business can make a difference, please reach out to our Development & Communications Director, Kyle Leonard, at [email protected]. Together, we can make every child’s voice heard. ?? #ChildAbusePreventionMonth #CommunitySupport #CACKent #ProtectKids #CoffeeAndConnections

?? **We’re Hiring!** Join our team and make a difference! We’re looking for a **Part-Time Therapist** and an **Advocate** to help support children and families in their healing journey. If you’re passionate, compassionate, and ready to be part of something meaningful — we’d love to hear from you! ?? ?? For more info or to apply, visit our website at https://lnkd.in/ed_ps5Rj. #Hiring #JoinOurTeam #CACKent #MakeADifference

?? We’re thrilled to share that we won $10,000 from GBU Financial! A heartfelt thank you to the incredible individual who nominated us and to everyone who voted throughout February. Your support helps us continue our work for children and families in Kent County — we couldn’t do it without you! #Gratitude #CommunitySupport #BelieveTheChild #CACKent

?? Save the Date for our 18th Annual Believe the Child Luncheon on April 24, 2025. This special event, being held during Child Abuse Prevention Month, raises awareness and support for children impacted by sexual abuse and helps fund body safety education across Kent County. Interested in hosting a table or attending? RSVP to Kyle Leonard at [email protected]. Together, we can make a difference. ?? #BelieveTheChild #ChildAbusePrevention #CACKent

Kids Have Rights? Educator, Paula, shares what our program means for children and families in our community. Help us win $10,000 by voting for our Kids Have Rights? body safety program, and support our mission to educate and empower children. Every vote counts! You have until 11:59pm on Feb. 28th to make a difference. Vote now at https://lnkd.in/eDev9GKz. *One vote per email Thank you for your support! #KidsHaveRights #VoteNow #SupportPrevention

Our volunteers are an incredible part of our team and our mission. Here's why Maggie volunteers for our Kids Have Rights? program, and why voting for the Center to win $10,000 is so important. Visit https://lnkd.in/eDev9GKz, scroll down to the "Vote Now" button, and VOTE for the Children's Advocacy Center of Kent County.

We were honored to host several Michigan elected officials and candidates for tours of our Center in 2024, including Michigan Department of Attorney General Dana Nessel, Rep. Hillary Scholten, 3rd Congressional District candidate Paul Hudson For Justice, State Representative John Fitzgerald, State Representative Phil Skaggs, State Representative Carol Glanville, and Mark Totten, former Attorney for the Western District of Michigan. Their visits provided an opportunity to showcase our work and discuss the critical funding needed to support the children and families we serve. Interested in touring the Center? Contact Development & Communications Director, Kyle Amanda Leonard, at [email protected].

?? Please join us in congratulating Misti DeVries, Office Manager, on 10 incredible years with the Children's Advocacy Center of Kent County! Your unwavering dedication, boundless energy, and exceptional work have made such a positive impact. Your commitment to helping everyone around you is truly inspiring. Happy Anniversary, Misti! Here's to many more years of making a difference! ??

? As we wrap up 2024, we’re reflecting on the incredible work happening every day here at the Center. From supporting children and families to creating a safer, stronger community, we couldn’t do it without the unwavering support of YOU—our amazing community. ?? Your generosity and belief in our mission fuel the hope we provide. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re already hard at work planning how to make an even greater impact. Exciting things are on the horizon, and we can’t wait to share them with you! Thank you for standing with us every step of the way. ?? #Gratitude #CommunitySupport