August 2025 Newsletter

Letter from Executive Director

Dear McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center Family,

I hope everyone has enjoyed a safe and restful summer as we gear up for the return to school!

Our Outreach & Education staff are preparing for another busy and impactful school year, where they will serve more than 26,000 students by teaching vital personal safety skills.

At the heart of our prevention efforts is our flagship curriculum, High Five!, which meets the requirements of Erin’s Law—a U.S. law mandating that public schools provide education on personal body safety to help prevent child sexual abuse. We are proud to offer this curriculum not only within our local community but to others across the region as well.

High Five! is a unique prevention program that reaches children in Pre-K to grade 5. Children are empowered to listen to their feelings and tell an adult if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe. In addition to working with the students on self-esteem and safety skills, High Five! works alongside teachers, school professionals, and parents to offer a comprehensive program and empower the community to prevent child abuse.

With the sobering statistic that 1 in 10 children will experience abuse before their 18th birthday, our Outreach & Education work plays a crucial role in our mission. This program is a key part of our Child Advocacy Center’s comprehensive approach—not only responding to abuse but also leading prevention efforts that aim to stop abuse before it happens.

Together, we are creating safer futures for children—through education, awareness, and action.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Erin Bates

Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Spotlight: Investigator Peter Lazarek

Investigator Peter Lazarek is a 19-year veteran of the New York State Police, currently serving with the Troop D Bureau of Criminal Investigation. While based at the LaFayette Barracks, Pete has played an invaluable role at the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center since January 2023, taking the lead on State Police investigations involving the sexual or physical abuse of children.

Promoted to Investigator in 2014, Pete has served in multiple counties within Troop D and spent much of his career at SP Fulton (Oswego County) in both Uniform and Investigator roles. He is well-known for his ability to build rapport with children of all ages—whether interviewing a victim or a suspect—and brings both professionalism and compassion to every case.

Since joining the Center, Pete has quickly embraced the collaborative MDT approach, strengthening our shared mission to protect and support children. Thank you, Pete, for all that you do for the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center and the children we serve!

Employee of the month – Derrick Brill

Derrick is a valued member of our Outreach & Education Team and is about to celebrate four years at McMahon Ryan—we are so lucky to have him! Our Outreach & Education department provides essential prevention education to over 26,000 local students each year in Onondaga County, and Derrick plays a vital role in making that happen.

He goes above and beyond in sharing our mission, representing the Center at community events, and is always the first to step up when something needs to be done. In the office, Derrick keeps spirits high with his sense of humor and positive attitude.

We’re so grateful for Derrick’s dedication, positivity, and the energy he brings to our team. Congratulations, Derrick!

Back to School Safety

School starting back up is right around the corner! With that being said, it is important to keep some things in mind..

Ensure that you’re watching for children crossing the road, waiting at bus stops, and walking to school.
Practice safe routes. Walk or ride the bus route with your child. Review traffic safety, stranger awareness, and what to do if they feel unsafe.
Talk about boundaries. Make sure kids know it’s okay to say “no” to anything that makes them uncomfortable at school, online, or anywhere.
Keep the conversation going. Ask about your child’s day, and really listen. Let kids know they can talk to you about anything, without judgement.
Know the resources. Save and share hotline numbers or contact info for your local advocacy center, counselor, or school resource officer.

Gear Up 4 Kids – Ride for a Reason!

Friday, September 12th

Get ready to ride for a cause! Next month, join McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center for Gear Up 4 Kids, a bike-a-thon from our Center in Downtown Syracuse to the Jordan Elbridge Central School District. Most of the ride will take place on the scenic Empire State Trail.

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or new to riding, this event offers a meaningful way to make a difference. Riders will travel in small groups led by experienced cyclists, with safety training available for those who need it.

💙 Ways to Get Involved:

Ride & Fundraise: Sign up for one of our ride options, from a 7-mile loop to a 50-mile round trip.
Sponsor the Event: Partner with us to make this fundraiser a success.
Support a Rider: Donate to help a participant reach their fundraising goal.

More than just a ride, Gear Up 4 Kids is a crowdfunding effort to support the fight against child abuse in Onondaga County. Last year alone, the Center provided a path to healing for 1,811 children who experienced abuse and delivered prevention education to over 26,000 children in local schools.

Ride Options:

Ride A: 50 miles – MRCAC to JE Schools & return
Ride B: 25 miles – MRCAC to JE Schools
Ride C: 25 miles – JE Schools to MRCAC
Ride D: 7 miles – Loop of all three JE Schools

Ready to ride for a reason? Register, sponsor, or donate today!

View Sponsor Opportunities

Donate to a Rider

Our Outreach & Education department is getting ready to go back to schools

At McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, our work doesn’t stop with the 1,811 children we served last year in the aftermath of abuse. Our Outreach & Education team is in schools across Onondaga County, providing essential prevention education to over 26,000 students each year. These programs give children the knowledge and tools they need to recognize unsafe situations, seek help from trusted adults, and protect themselves—skills that can last a lifetime.

From our High Five! programs for younger children, which focus on feelings, personal body safety, and rules for staying safe, to No Bully Zone and Internet Safety presentations for older students, we meet children where they are with age-appropriate, engaging lessons. We also offer specialized education on topics like human trafficking prevention, empowering teens to make safe choices and find healthy support systems. Each program is developed in collaboration with educators and parents to strengthen the safety net around every child. You can learn more about each of these programs here.

These prevention efforts are made possible because of donor support. When you give to McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, you’re not only helping children heal after abuse—you’re helping prevent it in the first place. Together, we can build a safer future for every child in our community.

Donate Online

Stand Against Child Abuse Conference – Register Now!

Thursday, September 25 • Marriott Syracuse Downtown

Join professionals and experts from across Central New York for a full day dedicated to preventing child abuse and supporting victims. The Stand Against Child Abuse Conference, hosted by McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, features 14 dynamic workshops led by leaders in education, law enforcement, child welfare, mental health, healthcare, and more.

Morning Keynote & Breakfast – Open to All

We are thrilled to welcome Christina Meredith as this year’s keynote speaker. Christina will share her inspiring personal story of resilience, healing, and hope.

Breakfast & Keynote Only Ticket: $30
Perfect for individuals, community members, and supporters who want to hear an unforgettable message.

Who Should Attend the Full Conference

School personnel
Prosecutors & law enforcement
Probation officers
Child protective/welfare workers
Mental health professionals
Medical providers
Any professional working with children

Sponsor & Vendor Opportunities

Your support helps bring essential training to those protecting children in Onondaga County. We still have sponsorship packages available and welcome vendors to share their services and resources with attendees.

➡ Register, sponsor, or reserve your vendor table today to ensure your place at this important event.

View Conference Workshop Packet here

Sponsor Information

Vendor Sign Up form

CFRT: Safety Spotlight – Preventing Hot-Car Tragedies

As record-setting heat waves sweep across the East Coast and the nation, the tragic risks of children being left unattended in vehicles have surged. In 2025 alone, nine children have died in hot cars across states such as California, Florida, and New Jersey—with five of those deaths occurring just in June—compared to 39 similar deaths last year.

Why Vehicles Become So Dangerous:

Inside temperatures can climb 20°F in just 20 minutes, even on days that feel mild to us.
Once inside, kids’ bodies heat up 3 to 5 times faster than adults’, putting them at extreme risk.

It Can Happen to Anyone:

Advocates emphasize that these tragedies are no one’s “fault”—they can happen to caregivers from all walks of life, including healthcare professionals and teachers. Distraction or a break in routine often plays a central role.

The ACT Strategy for Prevention:

Child safety experts recommend the ACT approach:

Avoid leaving children in vehicles
Create reminders (e.g., placing a purse or phone in the backseat)
Take action—if you see a child alone in a car, call 911 immediately.

Moreover, making it a habit to always check the backseat—much like checking mirrors—can help prevent these tragedies. You can learn more about this here!