Dear CAN Council Supporters,
No matter our differences, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation has presented us all with a unifying concern. During this time of great uncertainty, it’s important to me that you know our CAN Council is continuing to take care of our most vulnerable children. We have a business continuity plan in place to ensure continued provision of our essential community services including forensic interviews and medical examinations of abused children, CASA home visits, court reports and representation at court hearings. With these exceptions as warranted by Law Enforcement and/or Children’s Protective Services, or by an obligation to the Court, CAN Council staff will be working from home.
Phone calls to all of our three locations – in Bad Axe, Bay City and Saginaw – are still being answered every day, and you can expect caring and prompt service from CAN Council staff. Given that our facilities are closed outside of the need for one of the essential community services listed above, we are unable to accept donations of goods delivered directly to our offices. If you’re planning a delivery to the CAN Council, please visit after the Governor allows us to return to work. We’ll look forward to seeing you then and thanking you for your generosity.
During times of great stress and isolation, children are at increased risk for being harmed by their caregivers. Please check-in on those in your life who are caring for our youth. Call and ask how they’re doing, offer encouragement, and remind them to take some time for themselves each day. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please make an anonymous report to Children’s Protective Services at 855-444-3911.
Lastly, I ask that you continue supporting the work of our CAN Council in one or both of the following ways: Because of the COVID-19 situation, our largest fundraising event for our Bay County programming is in jeopardy. Yet our services are needed now just as greatly as ever. Please consider donating to our CAN Council via cancouncil.org or through a contribution sent to any of our offices. As we continue through these weeks of significant isolation, please regularly visit our CAN Council Facebook page and share our posts to keep our community informed of critical resources.
This situation will be short-lived, our lives will return to normal. Until then, know that our community can count on the CAN Council to protect our children today just as we did yesterday. If you have any questions or concerns, you’ll find me at 989-752-7226.
Wishing you good health and peace of mind,
