This past weekend, a group of ten college students from Central Michigan University’s Alternative Breaks Program (CMU) volunteered at the Child Advocacy Center of Lapeer County (CAC Lapeer) marking the third year in which we have partnered with the University.
Their volunteering consisted of an orientation to CAC Lapeer, education on the mission of CAC Lapeer, and the role it plays in reducing trauma to child victims of sexual and/or physical abuse.
They also created sensory toys that will be provided to children during therapy sessions and court kits that will be utilized when a child attends any court proceedings as well as care bags for children and much more!
This year, the CMU students were also able to participate in our Fall Festival! The students helped Lapeer County children paint pumpkins, create bracelets and necklaces, color festive coloring sheets, play games, watch festive movies, and more! The children seemed to have a blast with the students and Super Susan the clown!
In addition to the student’s participation in our Fall Festival and therapy crafts, the CMU students became trained on Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children training which discusses the 5 steps to protecting our children. Through this training our goal was to educate students and provide them with accurate information they can utilize in their own communities, in their professional careers, and in their personal lives to create a safer place for our children. With the CMU students being future professionals, CAC Lapeer wanted to address the importance of signs and symptoms of child abuse, mandated reporting guidelines and policies, and more.
In total, the CMU students spent a combined total of 138 hours volunteering at the Center!
As a non-profit, CAC Lapeer relies heavily on community involvement, engagement, and volunteerism which is why we are extremely grateful that these students took the time out of their busy schedules to provide service to our Community. CAC Lapeer would also like to thank Lapeer Assembly of God for allowing the students to sleep, eat, and prepare for their service-filled weekend with us here at CAC Lapeer!
If you are interested in volunteering with the Child Advocacy Center of Lapeer County, please contact us at (810) 664-9990 or email us at admin@caclapeer.org !
