January 2026 Newsletter

Letter from Executive Director

Dear McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center Family,

As we welcome the new year and settle into the cold winter months, our commitment to keeping children safe remains as strong as ever. January is a time for fresh starts, reflection, and renewed focus on the well-being of the children and families we serve.

Did you know that January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month?

Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing awareness and educational content on our social media channels to help our community better understand this critical issue. Be sure to follow along, share our posts, and help start important conversations.

McMahon Ryan’s Anti-Trafficking Program works with over 100 youth each year who have been affected by exploitation or trafficking. Education and awareness are powerful tools in prevention, and knowing the signs of grooming or exploitation can make a difference.

Do you know what to look for?

Some possible signs may include sudden changes in behavior or appearance, unexplained absences from school or activities, new “friends” or controlling relationships, possession of expensive items without explanation, or fear or reluctance to speak freely. While this is not an exhaustive list, these examples can help us better understand some of the changes we may see when a youth is experiencing or at risk of exploitation. If you believe a youth may be affected or in danger, approach the situation with care. Listen without judgment, avoid confrontation, and seek guidance from professionals who are trained to respond safely and supportively.

Thank you for being part of a community that cares deeply about the safety and well-being of children. By staying informed and engaged, we can make a meaningful difference; one conversation, one connection, and one child at a time.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Erin Bates

Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Spotlight: Anne Galloway

Anne Galloway has been a dedicated member of the CARE program since 1999, beginning her work at the original West Onondaga Street site and continuing her service at the current CAC location. Throughout her career, she has remained deeply committed to empowering patients through compassionate care and informed decision‑making.

Over the years, Anne has witnessed both profound challenges and remarkable moments of resilience. These experiences have only strengthened her passion for this work. She shares that it’s those powerful glimpses of hope that continue to inspire her and bring her back, day after day.

We’re grateful for Anne’s compassion, professionalism, and commitment to helping children and families find safety and healing.

Employee of the Month: Nina Peters

We are excited to recognize Nina Peters, our receptionist, as January’s Employee of the Month! Nina has been a valued member of the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center team for nearly one year, and in that time she has made an incredible impact on both our staff and the families we serve. As the first face many of our clients see when they walk through our doors, Nina helps set the tone for their experience—greeting everyone with warmth, compassion, and a genuine desire to help.

In addition to keeping our front desk running smoothly, Nina also plays a vital role in coordinating and supporting our volunteers, helping ensure they feel welcomed, informed, and ready to make a difference. Her friendly personality, dedication, and strong organizational skills keep everything moving seamlessly, even on the busiest days.

We are so grateful for everything Nina brings to our Center, and we are lucky to have her as part of our team. Congratulations, Nina, and thank you for all that you do!

Last Call to Support our Holiday Appeal: Help Us Reach Our Goal!

Donate Online Here

Or Mail in a Donation to:

McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center

601 E Genesee Street

Syracuse, NY 13202

Check out the graphic below to see the impact of your contributions in 2024 and how many lives were touched through our programs and services.

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month: Join Us in Raising Awareness!

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a national observance designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to raise awareness and encourage action to prevent human trafficking and support those who have been harmed. The 2026 theme—“Stronger Connections. Stronger Futures.”—emphasizes the crucial role that supportive relationships play in reducing risk and promoting safety for children, youth, and families.

Research highlighted by HHS shows that individuals who feel connected to caring adults, peers, and community supports are less vulnerable to exploitation. Traffickers often target people who feel isolated, unsupported, or unseen. Strong relationships at home, in schools, workplaces, and communities can help prevent trafficking by increasing safety, awareness, and early identification of warning signs.

What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is the act of exploiting people for profit by taking away their freedom.

Traffickers use tactics like deception, threats, violence, or coercion to force individuals into commercial sex or labor. Victims may be manipulated, assaulted, or pressured to work under abusive and illegal conditions.

This crime is a global industry worth billions and affects an estimated 24.9 million people worldwide.

Local Impact: McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center

At McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, we see the importance of prevention and connection reflected in our daily work. Each year, McMahon Ryan serves more than 100 children and youth impacted by human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, providing comprehensive, trauma‑informed, and victim‑centered services.

McMahon Ryan’s Human Trafficking Services program works in collaboration with Onondaga County and community partners to:

Identify youth who may be at risk of or experiencing exploitation
Provide advocacy and case management
Help youth access medical care, mental health counseling, emergency shelter, and financial assistance
Offer accompaniment to court, medical appointments, and other critical services
Connect survivors with Office of Victim Services (OVS) benefits and community resources

In addition to direct services, McMahon Ryan provides professional training and community education to help teachers, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and other youth‑serving professionals recognize trafficking indicators and respond safely and effectively to disclosures.

Recognizing the Signs of Human Trafficking

The HHS Office on Trafficking in Persons notes that human trafficking does not always look the same and can be difficult to recognize. Possible indicators may include:

Sudden changes in behavior, appearance, or relationships
Unexplained gifts, money, cell phones, or expensive items
Signs of control by another person (such as someone monitoring movements or communication)
Fear, anxiety, or reluctance to speak in front of others
Working excessively long hours, having restricted freedom, or being unable to leave a situation
Inconsistencies in stories about school, work, or living situation

It is important to remember that no single sign confirms trafficking. Trusting instincts, documenting concerns, and knowing where to turn for help are critical steps.

10 Things You Can Do to Help Prevent and Respond to Human Trafficking

According to HHS and the National Human Trafficking Hotline, everyone has a role to play in prevention. Here are 10 actions individuals and communities can take:

Learn the facts about how human trafficking happens in the United States
Recognize warning signs that someone may be at risk or experiencing exploitation
Listen without judgment if someone shares concerns or asks for help
Share prevention resources with children, teens, and trusted adults
Promote healthy relationships and boundaries, both online and offline
Complete training, such as SOAR (Stop, Observe, Ask, Respond), if you work with youth or vulnerable populations
Support survivors by respecting their choices and prioritizing safety
Volunteer or partner with local organizations working to prevent exploitation
Use ethical purchasing practices and be informed about labor exploitation
Know where to report concerns and share the National Human Trafficking Hotline widely

Help Is Available

The National Human Trafficking Hotline, funded by HHS, provides free, confidential support 24/7 for individuals who have experienced trafficking or for those concerned about someone else:

Call: 1‑888‑373‑7888
Text: 233733 (BEFREE)
Services are available in more than 200 languages

By strengthening connections, increasing awareness, and staying informed, we can help create safer futures for children and families in our community.

Learn more:

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.

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 $25 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

Snow Sport Safety Tips from Our Outreach & Education Team

Upcoming Events

Buy Tickets Here

Ticket sales are now open!

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.

Kick Off the New Year by Stepping Up for Kids! 🏃‍♀️🎉

Looking for a meaningful way to follow through on your New Year’s resolutions? Whether your goal is to move more, spend time with family, or give back to the community, the 10th Annual Step Up 4 Kids 5K & Kids Fun Run checks every box.

Join us on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Middle Ages Brewing Company as we finish strong during April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month and celebrate a full decade of stepping up for kids in our community. This family‑friendly event includes the 5K, Kids Fun Run, and a lively post‑race party hosted by Middle Ages — complete with live music and food trucks.

Register Early & Save!

Registration opened January 1, and now is the perfect time to commit:

Early Bird Pricing: $33.15
Available through the end of January – lock in the lowest price and make your first big win of the year count.

Celebrating 10 Years!

This year’s race marks the 10th anniversary of Step Up 4 Kids, making it our biggest year yet. Whether you’ve run with us before or this will be your first time, we’d love for you to be part of this milestone celebration.

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

Interested in Sponsoring?

Sponsorship opportunities for Step Up 4 Kids are still available—join us in making a difference while gaining visibility in the community, opportunities start as low as $250! Click here to view our sponsorship opportunities.

CFRT Spotlight: Passenger Safety Week

National Passenger Safety Week: January 19–26

As families spend more time on the road — whether heading to school, childcare, sports, or winter activities — National Passenger Safety Week (January 19–26) is a helpful reminder that small safety choices can make a big difference in keeping children safe.

Motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of injury and death for children in the United States. The good news is that properly used car seats, booster seats, and seat belts greatly reduce the risk of serious injury. Making sure children are using the right restraint for their age and size—and that it’s used correctly every time—matters.

During the winter months, one common but often overlooked safety concern is bulky winter coats worn in car seats. While it may seem like the warmest option, thick coats and snowsuits can prevent harness straps from fitting snugly, creating dangerous slack in the event of a crash. A safer option is to buckle children in wearing thin, warm layers, then place a blanket or coat over the harness once they are securely buckled.

National Passenger Safety Week is a great opportunity for families to double‑check car seat fit, review safety guidelines, and share information with friends and caregivers. Taking a few extra moments to ensure children are safely restrained helps protect them not only during winter weather—but all year long.