Dear McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center Family,

I am thrilled to be stepping into the role of Executive Director at the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center. I’ve been a dedicated member of our organization for the past 11 years and have a passion for our mission and the services we provide. I joined the McMahon Ryan team over a decade ago, starting my journey in the Anti – Human Trafficking program. Since then, I have taken on numerous leadership roles, working to foster collaboration and drive impactful initiatives.

I am eager to build upon the strong foundation of the center. Together, our team aims to expand our outreach programs, enhance our services, and further our efforts to ensure that every child has a safe and supportive environment. I believe in the power of community and am looking forward to working closely with our partners, staff, and volunteers to create lasting change.

I am truly honored to take on the role of Executive Director. The McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center has been my second home for 11 years, and I’m excited about the opportunity to lead this incredible organization into its next chapter. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community. Stay tuned for upcoming events and initiatives as we embark on this exciting journey together!

Thank you for your continued support!

Warm regards,

Mrs. Erin Bates

We are currently seeking dedicated volunteers to support our efforts, and we would love for you to get involved! There are several ways you can make a difference, including assisting at our front desk after hours, helping to assemble important outreach and education packets that will be distributed in local schools, or signing up to be a pinwheel planter this April.

These opportunities are a wonderful way to give back to the community and have a meaningful impact. Whether you can spare just a few hours of your time or are able to commit on a more regular basis, we welcome and appreciate your support in any capacity.

To learn more or to sign up, please visit our website or call the Center at 315-701-2985.

Enter for a chance to win some fantastic prizes, all while supporting a great cause. Get your $25 Eat Local Raffle tickets today for a chance to win a bundle of $100 gift cards to some of the best local restaurants around. It’s the perfect opportunity to treat yourself, a loved one, or even plan a special night out—all while giving back to a meaningful cause.

Winners will be announced at the Pinwheel Ball on April 4th, and the best part? You don’t need to be present to win! So, why wait? Purchase your tickets now for your chance to enjoy a delicious dining experience while making a positive impact.

To buy tickets, simply text PinwheelBall25 to 76278 or click on the button below.

To avoid fees or online registration, you can mail a check or cash to:

McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center

601 E Genesee Street

Syracuse, NY 13202

Be sure to include “Eat Local Raffle” in the memo line of your check. Please include your first & last name & phone #.

Our largest fundraiser of the year, The Pinwheel Ball, will take place on Friday, April 4th at the Oncenter. Join us for an evening to celebrate those in our community who fight against child abuse. We will have live music by Prime Time Horns, cocktails and dinner, along with silent and live auctions. Get your tickets now!

The annual Go Blue 4 Kids Breakfast will take place on Friday, April 18th at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown. This informational breakfast will feature keynote speaker, Elijah Lee, a 17-year-old student and community activist, and a national advocate for children. Get your tickets now!

The 9th Annual Step Up 4 Kids 5K & Kids Fun Run will close out April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month on Sunday, April 27th at Leavenworth Park. This family-fun event will be followed by a post-race party hosted by Middle Ages with live music and food trucks! Register now, prices will keep increasing as we get closer to event day.

We invite you to promote your business while making a difference in the community. Purchase an advertisement that will be featured in both our Go Blue 4 Kids Breakfast and Pinwheel Ball event programs, offered in both printed and digital formats.

With ad placements starting as low as $150, this is an excellent opportunity to gain visibility while supporting vital programs that help children in need. Your advertisement will reach a broad audience, providing valuable exposure for your business and demonstrating your commitment to a worthy cause.

By participating, you not only showcase your business but also help sustain the critical services McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center provides to children and families in our community.

For more information or to reserve your ad space, please contact Development Director, Dana Walk at dwalk@mcmahonryan.org or purchase online below.

We are excited to announce that our annual Pinwheel Ball will be taking place on April 4th at the Oncenter, and we need your help to make it a success! As part of our event, we put together a variety of auction baskets filled with generous donations from local businesses, and we are currently seeking donations for this year’s event. Your support will not only help raise funds for a great cause but also showcase your business to a wide audience of community members.

If you’re interested in getting involved by donating auction items or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at scali@mcmahonryan.org or call 315-701-2985. Your contribution will make a meaningful impact, and we appreciate your support in helping us create a memorable evening for all!

The Onondaga County Child Fatality Review Team (CFRT) is a multidisciplinary group dedicated to reducing preventable child fatalities in the county. Established in 1996, the team conducts comprehensive reviews of child deaths, analyzes patterns, and provides community education to enhance child safety. Check out the CFRT Webpage here

Mission and Activities:

The CFRT’s mission is to reduce preventable child fatalities through:

• Monthly Meetings: The team convenes monthly to review unexpected deaths of children and adolescents aged 17 and younger in Onondaga County.
• Data Analysis: By examining child death patterns, the team identifies trends and risk factors.
• Community Education: The CFRT develops educational initiatives based on findings to inform the public and promote child safety.

Team Composition:

The CFRT comprises professionals from various sectors, including:

• Law Enforcement: Representatives from the Syracuse Police Department and Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department.
• Medical Experts: Pediatricians, child abuse pediatricians, and forensic investigators from the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office.
• Child Advocacy: Staff from the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center.
• Legal Professionals: Assistant District Attorneys specializing in homicide and child abuse cases.
• Public Health: Coordinators from the Onondaga County Health Department.

Key Initiatives:

• Safe Sleep Education: Addressing unsafe sleep environments, a leading cause of infant mortality.
• Suicide Prevention: Focusing on suicide, the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 24.
• Year-End Reviews: Publishing annual reports summarizing findings and recommendations.

Contact Information:

For more details or to get involved, contact Kathy Delaney, CFRT Coordinator, at kdelaney@mcmahonryan.org or (315) 701-2985.

The CFRT collaborates with local organizations, such as the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, to enhance child safety and prevent fatalities.

February is Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of healthy relationships and prevent dating violence among teens. It’s essential to recognize the signs of abuse, learn how to support survivors, and promote positive relationship behaviors. This month serves as a reminder that dating violence can affect anyone, and everyone deserves to feel safe and respected in their relationships.

To help guide these conversations and provide valuable resources, we invite you to explore the Teen Dating Violence Prevention Fact Sheet linked below. It offers helpful information on how to recognize the signs of dating violence, understand its impact, and take action to prevent it. By sharing this knowledge, we can empower teens to make healthy choices and build safer communities. Together, we can create a future where respect, communication, and kindness are the foundation of all relationships.

Click the link below to access the fact sheet from the Child Safety Network and learn more about how you can make a difference in preventing teen dating violence.