2023 WACC Annual Appeal

For nearly fifty years, WACC has been the leader in strengthening children and families and preventing child abuse and neglect through education and awareness in Washtenaw County. It gives me comfort to know that my family and two young children live in such a forward-focused and caring community.

Just last year, our work impacted over 9,000 children, parents, and professionals through research-based programs and concrete services that build strong families and protect children.

But we still need your help.

The recent New York Times article entitled, “Everyone Says Social Media is Bad for Children. Proving it is Another Thing,” encapsulates the problem. The Surgeon General also issued a new advisory in 2023 about the risks of internet use and social media to youth mental health.

Washtenaw County First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and new WACC board member, Stacie Shaw, agrees, “Internet crimes against children, and the strain of social media pressures on youth mental health, is a growing problem in Michigan and in our country. We see it too often, and something needs to be done.”

Our Cyber Safety Initiative (CSI) program, which teaches students and parents critical skills and techniques for staying safe online, is in demand with schools in all nine districts across Washtenaw requesting support. However, we are only able to reach a fraction of middle and high schools with current funding.

Your $100 donation will help us reach another classroom of students and parents in Washtenaw County. We also invite you to view the enclosed envelope for other ways to support our mission to strengthen families and protect children in our community.

We hope that you will consider making a gift to help us keep kids in our community safe for a lifetime. From the WACC Board Members and staff, we thank you for all of your past support. Please enjoy a wonderful holiday season!

With appreciation,

Tim Richey Kriste Goers

Executive Director Board Chairperson