Child Advocacy

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ABOUT US

HISTORY

1976- The Child Advocacy Association was formed by Gratiot County Professionals and citizens interested in working together to provide services for children and their families.

November 1982- The Gratiot County Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention (CAN) Council merged with Child Advocacy, and we became a charter member of the Michigan Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

1994- Child Advocacy became a Designated Council for the Children’s Trust Fund.

January 2010- Child Advocacy took on new leadership and moved into the Wilcox Non-Profit building.

August 2010- Child Advocacy began the discussion of developing a Children’s Advocacy Center(CAC) in Gratiot County.

2011- work began on the Children’s Advocacy Center. Writing grants, raising money for renovations, and putting together a multi-disciplinary team and county protocol. That year Child Advocacy also took on the Gratiot County Substance Abuse Coalition(GCSAC).

2012- Child Advocacy took on the Gratiot County Suicide Coalition and merged the program with the Substance Abuse Coalition.

January 2013- Child Advocacy opened the doors for the first interview at the Children’s Advocacy Center. October 2013 the Children’s Advocacy Center was accredited through the National Children’s Alliance and Child Advocacy took on the Court Appointed Special Advocates Program(CASA).

July 2017- Child Advocacy took over the Baby Pantry from the Red Cross. That summer our CEO started working on our Building Project dream.

May 2020- Child Advocacy broke ground at the site of their new building.

Child Advocacy has continued to expand significantly over the years creating more programs and offering more services to the community. Child Advocacy continues to serve thousands of children and their families each year.

Mission

To promote, support, and strengthen the well-being of our community.

Vision

To establish Child Advocacy as the recognized expert in the prevention and intervention of child abuse and neglect, substance misuse, and suicide. 

Values

Prevention is possible with education and training

Advocacy and support is critical to intervention

Meeting basic needs is fundamental

Success lies in a collaborative approach to implementing services

Hours of operation

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday



Saturday

Sunday

9:00am – 4:00pm

9:00am – 4:00pm

9:00am – 4:00pm

9:00am – 4:00pm

9:00am – 4:00pm
(Closed Friday’s Memorial Day through
Labor Day)

Closed

Closed

Monday: 9am – 4pm

Tuesday: 9am – 4pm

Wednesday: 9am -4pm

Thursday: 9am – 4pm

Friday: 9am – 4pm

Saturday: CLOSED

Sunday: CLOSED

Programs

We believe that the KEY to the prevention of child abuse and neglect is through education, training, and support of our community and their families. The CAN Program features car seat safety inspections, child sexual abuse prevention training, infant safe sleep education, and more.

The Children’s Advocacy Center emphasizes the coordination of investigation and intervention services by bringing together professionals and agencies as a multidisciplinary team to create a child-focused approach to child abuse cases.  The center provides forensic interviewing services, victim advocacy and support, and family support.  No fee for this service. 

CASA recruits, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in court.  Volunteers serve as the “eyes and ears” of the court offering the judge a critical perspective of what is in the best interest of each child, based on information gathered first-hand through research, interviews and observations.

GCSSPP is a collaborative countywide decision-making body of community members that meets to address the issue of substance abuse prevention in Gratiot County. GCSSPP also conducts suicide prevention programs in the county.  GCSSPP offers QPR training (Question, Persuade, & Refer), an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives.

Board of Directors

President – Garth Anderson – Commercial Bank
Vice President – Michelle Stillwagon – Gratiot Integrated Health Network
Treasurer – Katie Tobias – Katie Tobias State Farm Insurance 
Secretary –  Annette Collison – Kahn Consulting, INC.
Jennifer Stambaugh – President & CEO – Child Advocacy
John Helinski – Alma Public Schools
Karla Childers – Mercantile Bank
Marci Merchant – Community Representative
Jen Stratton – Mid-Michigan District Health Department
Laura Bever – Office of Prosecuting Attorney
Alison Morrison – Dept. of Health and Human Services
John Morey – CPA
Mark Williams – Alma Public Safety Administrator
Steve Schutter – Michigan State Police
Bryan Anderson – Community Represenative
Kaylee McCaw – MidMichigan Medical Center Gratiot 
Joe Bowen – Powell Solutions
Tammy Riley – Community Represenative
Eric Huff – Alma Public Schools

Career Opportunities

POSITION TITLE –

GRATIOT COUNTY SUBSTANCE & SUICIDE PREVENTION COALITION COORDINATOR

Job Summary

The Gratiot County Substance and Suicide Prevention Program (GCSSPP) is seeking an organized, motivated, and community-oriented individual to serve as the Coalition Coordinator supporting county-wide substance use and suicide prevention efforts throughout Gratiot County.

This position works closely with the GCSSPP and Child Advocacy team, schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement, community organizations, and local partners to help coordinate prevention initiatives, coalition activities, youth engagement efforts, trainings, and community events.

The Coalition Coordinator plays an active role in supporting both adult and youth coalition efforts through communication, relationship-building, event coordination, and community engagement activities. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with people, balancing multiple projects, engaging with the community, and making a positive local impact.

This is a highly collaborative and community-facing role that requires strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate is adaptable, professional, comfortable speaking in front of groups, confident building relationships with community members and professional stakeholders, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.

A typical week may include facilitating coalition meetings, coordinating prevention activities and events, communicating with schools and community partners, assisting with youth leadership initiatives, supporting community outreach efforts, and helping manage multiple moving pieces related to prevention programming and coalition activities.

This is a full-time, grant-funded position through Child Advocacy. Continued employment is contingent upon successful renewal of funding.

Accountable to: GCSSPP Director

Major Duties and Responsibilities

This is an active and community-based position involving regular interaction with youth, schools, community leaders, organizations, community members and local partners throughout Gratiot County. The position includes both office and community-based work, with occasional evening meetings, community events, trainings, and youth activities throughout the year.

Coalition Coordination

  • Coordinate and facilitate adult and youth coalition meetings, including agenda development, meeting preparation, logistics, follow-up communication, and engagement activities
  • Recruit, engage, and maintain participation from coalition members and community stakeholders in coordination with the Program Director
  • Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement, community organizations, local businesses, civic groups, and other community partners
  • Represent GCSSPP and Child Advocacy in community meetings, events, and partnership activities
  • Assist in strengthening community awareness and engagement surrounding substance use and suicide prevention initiatives

Youth Leadership & Prevention Initiatives

  • Support youth coalition initiatives and leadership development opportunities
  • Assist with coordination of the Youth Coalition Leadership Summit and other youth-focused activities
  • Support implementation of evidence-based prevention programs and educational activities
  • Assist with school and community prevention initiatives in collaboration with program staff and community partners

Community Engagement & Partnerships

  • Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement, community organizations, local businesses, and other community partners
  • Represent GCSSPP and Child Advocacy at community meetings, trainings, and events
  • Support outreach and awareness efforts related to substance use and suicide prevention initiatives
  • Assist with communication and coordination between community partners and program staff

Event Planning & Public Outreach

  • Coordinate and support community events, trainings, outreach activities, and prevention campaigns
  • Assist with event logistics including scheduling, materials preparation, volunteer coordination, setup, and communication
  • Deliver presentations and communicate prevention messaging to youth, adults, and community groups as needed
  • Coordinate and plan engaging coalition meetings and community activities that encourage participation and collaboration

Data, Reporting & Program Support

  • Assist with data collection, reporting, documentation, and evaluation activities related to coalition and prevention efforts
  • Support coordination efforts related to the Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth (MiPHY) Survey
  • Maintain organized records, materials, and program documentation
  • Assist with grant-related requirements and program support activities under the guidance of the Program Director
  • Maintain compliance with agency policies, procedures, and grant requirements

Additional Responsibilities

  • Attend local, regional, and statewide trainings, meetings, conferences, and events as needed
  • Fulfill travel requirements related to meetings, trainings, school visits, and community activities
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities
  • Willingness to take initiative, communicate proactively, and represent GCSSPP in community settings
  • Demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings, deliver presentations, and engage diverse audiences including youth, community members, and professional stakeholders
  • Ability to work independently while also functioning as part of a collaborative team
  • Strong problem-solving and time management skills
  • Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple responsibilities
  • Positive, professional, and community-oriented approach
  • Experience coordinating community initiatives, facilitating groups, delivering presentations, or working with diverse stakeholder groups is strongly preferred
  • Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences
  • Experience coordinating events, programs, projects, or community activities preferred
  • Experience in prevention, education, nonprofit work, youth development, public health, communications, or community engagement preferred
  • Knowledge of Gratiot County and local systems preferred
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Canva, email communication, and virtual meeting platforms
  • Reliable transportation and ability to travel as required
  • Successful completion of criminal background check required
  • Two to three years of experience in nonprofit work, prevention services, youth programming, education, communications, public health, community engagement, or a related field preferred

Education:

Bachelor’s degree required. Preferred areas of study include Social Work, Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Communications, Education, Health Services, Human Services, or related fields.

MCBAP Prevention Certification/Licensure preferred but not required. Candidate must be willing to work toward certification within two years of hire.

Salary: $50,960-$56,160 annually, depending on qualifications and experience

Exemption Status: Exempt

Position Classification: Full-time/40 hours per week

Reliable Transportation Required

Occasional evening community events and meetings required
To apply for this position please upload your resume and cover letter below. 

Max. file size: 2 GB.
Max. file size: 2 GB.