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Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) Council of Saginaw County


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2009

Recognizing 30 years of Services to Saginaw County
-1979 to 2009-

Please join us as we know-
“Together we CAN stop child abuse!”

2004-2008

2003 - 1999

Significant grant dollars were procured from the Harvey Randall Wickes Foundation, Arnold and Gertrude Boutell Memorial Foundation, and the Gerstacker Foundation to purchase, remodel and furnish the new buildings-1311 N. Michigan and 507 Catherine. For six months, we’re landlords as the Catherine building was rented to an individual and a local newspaper business. Space was also being rented to United for Kids-Children’s Assessment Center. Created honorary board positions (for those retiring from the active board) and an Advisory Board of community leaders. Enhanced and expanded education programs. Collaboration with ASAP-PIE and Healthy Families allows for vast expansion of services. With leadership from Judge Faye Harrison, our Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program was planned, designed and implemented with its first case assigned on May 30, 2002. Initial funding made possible from Junior League of Saginaw Valley, National CASA, Andersen Foundation and the Wickson-Link Memorial Foundation.

United for Kids opened doors and began to provide services from 1999 to 2003 as a separate agency-utilized a grant from NCA to take a multi-disciplinary team to the National Symposium on Child Sexual Abuse in Huntsville, Alabama; recipient agency of funds from the Junior League of Saginaw Valley Festival of Trees; funding from VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) was obtained for the first time, allowing the center to add a case coordinator to the staff; $20,000 Venture grant was received from United Way; Dr. Frederick attended a week-long specialized training in medical evaluation of child sexual abuse in San Diego; full-time director in January 1999. In May of 2003, legal affiliation with United for Kids: Children’s Assessment Center occurred. The program was renamed to reflect our national affiliation with the National Children’s Alliance and the evidenced based program Children’s Advocacy Centers: Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC).

1998 - 1994

Significant changes included becoming an affiliate member of the United Way, Sherrie Tiderington resigns in 1994; 1995 new Executive Director Suzanne Greenberg hired, long range planning, stronger staff, and purchase of our own buildings. New mission statement, “to educate, advocate, and collaborate within the community in order to realize the end of child abuse and neglect” was created during 12-month strategic planning. Purchased current buildings at 1311 N. Michigan and 507 Catherine and moved into new offices in December of 1998. We were in temporary offices at 3095-B Cabaret Trail for five months prior to moving in. By-laws were extensively revised as well as board and staff job descriptions developed.

United For Kids-Children’s Assessment Center created to reduce trauma for children suspected of being sexually and/or severely physically abused and as a tribute to our first sponsors-United Airlines. Also provided medical examinations for children. This agency is independent of the CAN Council but shares office space. Committee evolved to first elect Board of Directors in June1998. Awarded National Children’s Alliance Grants for 1999- $39,500.

1993 - 1989

Public awareness campaigns increased in proportion to more funds being made available; Part time Executive Director, Sherrie Tiderington more active with speaking engagements throughout the community; involved various community organizations in fundraising activities. Collaborative education conference was successful.

1988 - 1984

In 1985, the Council restructured its Articles and Bylaws to comply with new statutes in Michigan. Part-time Director, Nancy Trap hired in August 1988 and resigned on November 22. Spent $500 for a secretary and focused on funding programs by providing dollars to area agencies for prevention of child abuse programs.

1983 - 1979

In 1972, the concept of citizens becoming active in the prevention of child abuse and neglect resulted in the founding of the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse. In 1975, the Child Protection Law was passed in Michigan to stimulate the reporting of abuse and neglect and better protect children. It directed the Michigan Department of Social Services to work with communities on education and prevention and also multidisciplinary teams. In 1978, an ad hoc committee of professionals was called together by the Junior League of Saginaw Valley, with the first meeting in the kitchen of Mary Solterman.

On June 7, 1979, the foundational meeting of the CAN Council was attended by 29 people at the Norman Westlund Child Guidance Clinic. The Articles of Incorporation were approved and board members elected on July 12. Filing was completed for non-profit, charitable, and tax-free status. Incorporation completed on August 9, 1979 and they began with approximately $168 in the budget. Westlund Clinic housed the CAN Council at no expense.