Franklin Williamson "CAC" |
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In their own words, children have said... "I liked that when I was talking to the lady she didn't try to correct me about what happened to me, she was nice and listened to everything I had to say unlike others and that really helped me with explaining it better because I felt like I was being listened to." |
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MDT Coordinator, Kyllah, here! There are 24 days until April - which marks the beginning of Child Abuse Prevention Month! At the Center, we are deep in preparation for April and excited to work alongside our community in the fight against child abuse. In this newsletter, I'll share what we've been up to here at the CAC, talk about how we've been informing our local community about child abuse, give some shout outs to those who have graciously donated to us, and tell you about our upcoming fundraisers. As always, thank you for reading this newsletter and keeping up-to-date on all things CAC! |
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April 1st is the start of our Blue Kids Campaign - a great way to help the CAC raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention. Last year 33 businesses and community members supported the FWCAC through this campaign. We are setting this year's goal to 40 and need your help in reaching that goal! For your $100 donation, we place Blue Kid signage outside of your home or business to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month and to show your support for the Franklin-Williamson CAC. Signage will be delivered to you before April 1st and picked up during the first week of May so you can show your support all month!
Also, your name/business’s name will be recognized as a Champion for Children on our Facebook page and website!
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2nd Annual Ralph Graham Memorial Bocce Tournament |
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Gather your friends and family for the 2nd Annual Ralph Graham Memorial Bocce Tournament, presented by Sam C. Mitchell & Associates! Team registration is open and there are only THREE SPOTS LEFT! Lunch will be provided by Urban Legend BBQ. | | |
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Since the new year, the FWCAC has continued to educate our community on what a CAC is, how to identify child abuse, and what to do when a child discloses abuse. |
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Thank you to the following places for allowing our Executive Director, Sarah Anderson, and our MDT Coordinator, Kyllah Glass, to come and present: Jefferson Elementary Longfellow Elementary West Frankfort Rotary Club |
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Herrin High School Career Fair We also had the opportunity to educate Herrin High School students on the different careers within a CAC. We love seeing and speaking to students as they show passion for their future and the difference they will make in lives of children. |
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Herrin PD Investigator, Blake Starkweather demonstrates an interview with an alleged perpetrator |
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Executive Director, Sarah Anderson with MDT Coordinator, Kyllah Glass reviewing notes from the training |
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MDT Simulation Training The FWCAC is grateful for the invitation to participate in the University of Illinois Springfield Alliance for Experiential Problem-Based Learning and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine's Simulation Training. This training included a staged crime scene at a house on SIU's campus and actors to play witnesses and alleged perpetrators. It allowed members from our Williamson County Multidisciplinary Team to work together to investigate a mock child abuse case. Child abuse investigations are a team effort. Getting to see how each team member works their part of an investigation -- from DCFS' minimal fact interviews, to CAC's forensic interviews, law enforcement's interviews with alleged perpetrators, how medical providers evaluate findings, and what goes in to the State's Attorneys decision making process -- we all gained invaluable experience that we can take with us while working real child abuse cases. Shoutout to our team members from Herrin Police Department, DCFS, Mental Health, and the Williamson County State's Attorney Office who attended alongside our CAC staff. |
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JALC Human Trafficking Presentation The FWCAC joined the students of John A. Logan to listen to SIU Professor, Shelly Page, discuss the dangers of human trafficking. To learn more about this presentation and human trafficking, click the button below! | | |
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Interested in learning more about child abuse? Check out this great training opportunity! Registration closes soon! | | |
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Our Executive Director, Sarah Anderson, was presented with a check in December from the Living for Gavin organization. We are so thankful to have been chosen as the charity of choice for last year's 5K. Living for Gavin is a Non-Profit organization with the mission of bringing heightened awareness to domestic violence. They seek to help our community through organized fundraising and donations to those in need. Their goal is to preserve the memory of their loved one, Gavin Lowe. Gavin was a 12-year-old boy who loved sports, animals, playing with friends, and spending time with family. He was taken from this world on Christmas morning of 2019. |
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Thank you, Melissa, for your generous donation of personal hygiene items through our Amazon Wishlist. We are grateful for your support! |
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Thank you to the following organizations for generously supporting the FWCAC: |
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The FWCAC would also like to thank each person who donated in Memory of Sandy Plumlee. We are grateful to say we have received over 15 donations in her honor. |
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Looking for other ways to join the fight against child abuse? |
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Our Amazon Wishlist is an easy and convenient way to support the children right here in your community.
When children come to the CAC for their interview, we provide snacks, drinks, send them home with a backpack full of hygiene products, fidget toys, books, and school supplies. And while we run through these products rather quickly, donors who shop our Amazon Wishlist allow us to keep giving.
To shop our Amazon Wishlist, click the following link: |
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Thank you to Integrity Roofing for taking care of our Center's building needs and replacing our roof! |
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