February 2026 Newsletter

Letter from Executive Director

Dear McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center Family,

The month of love is upon us and as we gather and we stand together for children and families, knowing that healing and prevention begin with real connection, I can’t help but be grateful and awestruck with our amazingly dedicated staff.

Behind every school presentation, every outreach table, and every family served is a team showing up with compassion, dedication, and heart. We want to take a moment to recognize our incredible staff, whose commitment to children and families continues even on the hardest days. Your professionalism, teamwork, and unwavering belief in this mission do not go unnoticed. The care you bring into this work strengthens our village and helps create safer, more hopeful futures for the children we serve. Thank you for all that you do, seen and unseen. We are deeply grateful to you.

As staff move into the busy months leading up to April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month awareness events and community outreach, we are calling on our beloved village. Volunteers are always essential, most especially prior to and through the month of April, to help support events, to share our message, and to strengthen the safety net around our children. Every hour given and every hand offered helps light the way forward.

If you feel called to help, we would be honored to have you alongside us. To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to get involved, click here. Together, we can continue to raise awareness, inspire action, and help ensure every child has a safe and hopeful future free from abuse.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Erin Bates

Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Spotlight: Ariana Pastorello (ADA)

Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Ariana Pastorello has worked at the District Attorney’s Office for eight years, including six years in the Special Victim’s Bureau, where she prosecutes crimes against children and domestic violence victims.

While the work often reveals the darkest sides of humanity, Ariana finds purpose and fulfillment in helping secure justice for the community’s most vulnerable—especially its children. She is driven by a commitment to ensuring that victims’ voices are heard and that those who choose to harm them are held accountable. For Ariana, the most meaningful part of her work is the moment a victim feels seen, validated, and safe enough to simply say, “thank you.”

Employee of the Month: Victoria Benjamin

We are excited to recognize Torri, an Outreach & Education Specialist, as our Employee of the Month! Torri is a great colleague who consistently brings positivity and support to the MRCAC team. She actively joins in on staff gatherings, builds strong connections, and is always a great friend and listener to those around her.

Torri shows outstanding initiative by confidently taking on new tasks and presentations—even ones she’s never done before. She is always willing to help, whether it’s supporting coworkers with presentations, packing for events, or creating engaging social media posts. She also receives frequent compliments for her child-friendly presentations, which make a meaningful impact on the families and communities we serve.

We are grateful for her dedication, teamwork, and the care she brings to everything she does. Congratulations, Torri, and thank you for all that you contribute to MRCAC!

Volunteer with Us: Help Plant Pinwheels for April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month!

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center’s annual Go Blue Campaign is one of the most visible ways we raise awareness for the children and families we serve. Throughout the month, supporters across Onondaga County purchase blue pinwheels—a national symbol of child abuse prevention—to show their commitment to protecting children.

These pinwheels are planted in two ways:

Pinwheel Gardens – 500+ pinwheels displayed at local businesses and organizations
Blow Aways – 50 pinwheels with a sign, often used to surprise a loved one, honor a business, or create a meaningful display

To make this possible, we need volunteers to help us plant them! The work is simple: use a screwdriver to make a small hole, place the pinwheel, and move on to the next. No special skills required—just a willingness to help and a heart for kids.

Whether you’re an individual, a family, a student group, or a workplace team, volunteering to plant pinwheels is a powerful way to be part of something bigger this April.

If you’re interested in helping us blanket Onondaga County in blue, please contact Nina Peters at 315-701-2985 or npeters@mcmahonryan.org to sign up.

AI and Your Mental Health: What You Need to Know

Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT and Copilot are becoming more common in everyday life — from helping organize your schedule to simplifying complex information. While AI can be a helpful support tool, it’s important to understand its limits, especially when it comes to mental health.

How AI Can Support Your Wellbeing

Used thoughtfully, AI may help with:

Problem‑solving: offering new perspectives or ideas when you feel stuck.
Breaking tasks into steps: especially helpful when working through graded tasks for depression or motivation challenges.
Exposure planning: brainstorming gradual steps for facing fears or anxiety‑related challenges.
Routine‑building: helping plan schedules or habits.
Journaling prompts: supporting reflection, gratitude, or noticing thinking patterns.
Simplifying information: summarizing therapy notes or self‑help materials so they’re easier to understand.

AI can also help organize your thoughts or support skill‑building between therapy sessions.

When to Use Caution

AI is not perfect — and sometimes it can be unsafe to rely on.

AI can “hallucinate.” It may confidently provide information that is completely incorrect.
AI can be biased because it learns from human‑written data, which may include stereotypes or unfair assumptions.
AI responses may sound empathetic, but it does not understand feelings and cannot replace human support.
What you type may be saved or reviewed, so avoid sharing personal or identifying information.

When AI Should Not Be Used

For your safety, avoid using AI for:

Personal mental health advice
Diagnoses or treatment plans
Emotional comfort or validation
Making major life decisions (medical, legal, or relationship)
Crisis situations or emergencies
Replacing therapy with a trained professional

If you ever feel unsafe or overwhelmed, reach out to a real person who can help — a trusted friend, your doctor, or a crisis service.

Tips for Safe Use

Use AI to support learning and organization, not emotional care.
Be specific in your questions and ask for evidence or sources.
Always verify important information with trusted professionals or reputable websites.
Maintain curiosity — remember that not everything AI says is true or helpful.
Never share personal or identifying information.

Content adapted from the Centre for Clinical Interventions (CCI)

DINE OUT 4 KIDS RAFFLE –

Tickets On Sale Now!

Our beloved Eat Local Raffle has a new name—Dine Out 4 Kids—and an even bigger impact. Every ticket gives you a chance to win gift cards to some of CNY’s favorite restaurants while directly supporting the life-changing work of the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center.

Tickets are just $25 each or 5 for $100, giving you even more chances to win while making a meaningful difference in the lives of local children and families.

For just $25, you can treat yourself—or someone you love—to incredible local dining, all while helping provide hope, healing, and support to children and families in our community.

Why Your Ticket Matters

When you purchase a raffle ticket, you help us:

Provide critical services to children and families affected by abuse: forensic interviews, medical exams, advocacy services, therapy, community outreach
Offer compassionate support to victims of human trafficking
Deliver prevention education to more than 25,000 local children each year
Ensure safety, comfort, and care during some of the most difficult moments of a child’s life

Your Ticket Goes Further Than You Think

Even if your ticket isn’t drawn, your generosity has a lasting impact. It helps a child walk through our doors feeling safe, supports families in crisis, and empowers our team to continue protecting and advocating for the most vulnerable members of our community.

Purchase Dine Out 4 Kids Raffle Tickets Here

Spotlight from Our Outreach & Education Team: The Vital Role of School Counselors

Earlier this month, schools nationwide celebrated National School Counseling Week—a time dedicated to recognizing the meaningful and life‑changing work that school counselors do every day. Even though the celebration has passed, our Outreach & Education Team is proud to highlight the ongoing impact school counselors have on students, families, and school communities throughout the entire year.

School counselors are highly trained, certified professionals who support students’ academic progress, social and emotional development, and long-term planning. Their work is grounded in national professional standards designed to help every student thrive.

How School Counselors Support Students

School counselors contribute to students’ academic, social, and emotional success in many ways. They:

Teach stress‑management and relaxation techniques
Help students process their emotions and work through challenges
Meet students where they are developmentally and emotionally
Provide individual and small‑group counseling
Offer a safe, confidential space for students
Support students experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, or PTSD
Collaborate with teachers, school staff, parents, and caregivers
Use school and student data to guide decisions and improve outcomes
Help students set personal, social, and academic goals for the school year

Counselors are a trusted, compassionate support for students—someone who listens, encourages, and advocates for their well‑being.

How School Counselors Support Families

School counselors are not just a resource for students, they’re here for families as well. They can:

Offer guidance on supporting your child’s emotional and academic needs
Connect caregivers to community mental health or social service resources
Assist with transitions such as new schools, grade-level changes, or family stressors
Help coordinate communication between home and school

Together, families and counselors can build a strong support network to help children succeed.

Upcoming Events

Buy Tickets Here

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Don’t miss The Pinwheel Ball, our largest fundraiser of the year, taking place Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Oncenter. We are thrilled to announce Jim McElhannon as this year’s Honorary Chair.

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the heroes in our community who fight against child abuse. Enjoy live music by Atlas, cocktails, dinner, and both silent and live auctions, all while supporting the mission of the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center.

Partner with us.

Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available to help make the Pinwheel Ball a success. Your business will receive valuable exposure while helping fund critical services for children affected by abuse. Click here to view sponsorship opportunities.

Step Into Spring by Stepping Up for Kids! 🏃‍♀️🌷

Spring is on the horizon, and there’s no better way to welcome a new season than by doing something meaningful for kids in our community. Join us for the 10th Annual Step Up 4 Kids 5K & Kids Fun Run — a decade‑strong tradition of raising awareness and supporting children and families during Child Abuse Prevention Month.

We’ll be gathering on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Middle Ages Brewing Company for a morning filled with purpose, movement, and community. The event features the 5K, a special Kids Fun Run, and a lively after‑party with live music and food trucks hosted by Middle Ages.

Register Early & Save!

Take advantage of current pricing and secure your spot early:

Current Registration Rate: $38.61. Valid through April 10

💡 Heads up — prices increase on April 11! Lock in your rate now and head into spring with a win.

Celebrating 10 Years!

This milestone year marks a full decade of our community coming together to support children in Onondaga County. Whether you’ve joined us in years past or this will be your very first run, we’d love to celebrate this special anniversary with you.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

A special thank-you to our generous sponsors who help make this event possible:

OneGroup – Presenting Sponsor
Maguire Foundation – Kids Fun Run Sponsor

Want to Get Involved as a Sponsor?

There’s still time to join our sponsor team! Sponsorships start at just $250 and offer terrific visibility while helping create safer, brighter futures for local kids. Click here to view our sponsorship opportunities.

CFRT Spotlight: Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM)—a nationwide effort to raise awareness, promote prevention, and empower teens to build safe, healthy relationships. Teen dating violence is more common than many realize, with many teens experiencing physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from a dating partner before adulthood.

TDVAM encourages families, schools, and communities to create supportive environments where young people feel safe discussing relationships, asking questions, and seeking help when something doesn’t feel right.

2026 Theme: Real Love Respects

This year’s national TDVAM theme, Real Love Respects, highlights the core message that respect is essential in every relationship. The theme empowers teens to understand what healthy love feels like—rooted in safety, honesty, boundaries, and mutual respect. Real love never harms, manipulates, or diminishes someone’s worth.

Why Awareness Matters

Teen dating violence can have long-lasting impacts on emotional and physical well‑being. Many young people struggle to recognize unhealthy patterns or feel unsure about reaching out for help. TDVAM provides opportunities for families and caregivers to start important conversations about consent, boundaries, communication, and self-worth. By increasing awareness and promoting healthy relationship skills, we can prevent violence before it starts and help ensure every young person feels valued, respected, and safe.

How You Can Support TDVAM This Month

You can make an impact by:

Starting open conversations with teens about respect, consent, and healthy boundaries
Sharing educational resources from TDVAM partners
Helping teens identify relationship values and warning signs
Ensuring they know where to go for confidential help
Modeling respect and communication in your own relationships

Need Support?

Young people can connect with trained advocates at any time by texting LOVEIS to 22522, chatting at loveisrespect.org, or calling 1‑866‑331‑9474.

Learn More About TDVAM

Access TDVAM Action Guide