Dear McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center Family,

As the summer heat intensifies, so has the rising violence within our community, particularly affecting the youth. Over the past month, we have witnessed an alarming increase in incidents involving gun violence, leaving many in our community — especially children and parents — feeling fearful and uncertain.

We want to acknowledge the devastating impact that this violence has on our young people. Not only are they at risk of direct harm, but those who witness these traumatic events can suffer long-lasting emotional, psychological, and even physical effects. Experiencing trauma through community violence is a form of child abuse, and the consequences of such experiences can ripple through a young person’s life, sometimes leaving scars that can last for years.

In response to these growing concerns, McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, in partnership with the Street Addiction Institute, remains steadfast in our commitment to provide support, resources, and a path to healing for youth who are affected by gun violence and the trauma of witnessing violence.

Our goal is to offer not just a safe space but also critical interventions that help young people process their experiences, build resilience, and regain a sense of safety and stability. With trauma-informed services, we aim to break the cycle of violence, offering a brighter future for the young people we serve.

To further our mission and increase accessibility to our resources, we are excited to announce the continued operation of our Mobile Unit. This innovative outreach initiative brings the services of McMahon Ryan directly to the communities most affected by violence. Over the coming months, you may see our mobile unit stationed at various locations in your neighborhood.

If you come across the unit, we encourage you to stop by, say hello, and meet the team. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the resources we offer and to connect with professionals who are dedicated to helping young people in crisis.

As we continue to witness the devastating effects of violence, we are reminded of the importance of community action. We must come together to support one another, especially our youth who are bearing the weight of this crisis. If you or someone you know needs support, we encourage you to reach out to McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center. Together, we can work towards healing and create a safer, healthier environment for all.



Warm regards,

Mrs. Erin Bates

The Stand Against Child Abuse Conference will take place on Thursday, September 25th 2025.

This conference is intended for school personnel, prosecutors, law enforcement, probation officers, child protective and child welfare staff, mental health professionals, medical providers, and others working to protect and support children in our community.

The day includes a variety of expert-led workshops and presentations focused on preventing child abuse and supporting victims through trauma-informed care and multidisciplinary collaboration.

We’ll kick off the morning with breakfast and a powerful keynote address from Christina Meredith. Christina is a survivor of sexual, mental, and emotional abuse, foster care, poverty, and homelessness—now a bestselling author and advocate empowering others through her story of resilience and hope.

Tickets to attend just the breakfast and keynote are $30 and open to all. We also have Vendor and Sponsor opportunities still available, email dwalk@mcmahonryan.org for more info!

Browse the full list of workshops below. Early bird registration is open now through August 1st!

Keynote Breakout: It Took a Village: How School & Teachers Saved My Life

Presenter: Christina Meredith

Sextortion & Crime Prevention Through Digital Safety, Empathy and Mindfulness Workshop

Presenter: Richard Guerry

Empowering Safe Futures: Understanding the Impact of Domestic Violence on Children and the Role of Protective Factors

Presenter: Lindsey Crusan-Muse

Cracks in the Story: When Broken Bones Raise Red Flags

Presenters: Dr. Pekarsky & Dr. Ray

That Kid Did What?!?! Understanding and Helping Children and Teens with Problematic Sexual Behavior

Presenter: Jimmy Widdifield

The Power Of Prevention Education

Presenter: Derrick Brill

Children, Domestic Violence and Play Therapy

Presenter: Dr. Jodi Mullen



Trauma Adapted Yoga for Adolescents

Presenters: Dr. Nayla Khoury, Dr. Kathryn Hagen & Alena Thotam

The NCMEC Perspective: Child Sexual Exploitation Trends, Issues & Priorities

Presenter: Sara Segerlin

When Removals are Necessary: Understanding the Trauma of Removal in Child Welfare Services

Presenter: Kelly Varamogiannis

CE-CERT: A New Paradigm for Addressing Secondary Traumatic Stress, Moral Distress, and Burnout

Presenter: Jimmy Widdifield

What are we fighting for?!

Presenter: Tony DeVincenzo

A Case Study: Understanding Victim Behavior

Presenters: District Attorney John Muehl and Sura Page, LCSW-R

Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention for Adults working with Youth

Presenter: Diego Luque

A recent study featured in JAMA Pediatrics and reported by CBS News reveals a grim trend: over the last 13 years, states with more permissive firearm laws have seen a significant increase in child and teen gun fatalities. Firearms remain the leading cause of death for children and teens in the U.S.

From 2011 to 2023, there were 7,398 additional youth gun deaths compared to the previous decade, bringing the total to around 23,000 fatalities. Both homicides and suicides among young people increased, with Black youth facing the most pronounced rise in states with weaker laws. The CDC also noted in 2023 that most child gun deaths involved unlocked, loaded firearms in homes—highlighting the importance of gun safety and storage.

The study underscores how stronger laws—such as universal background checks, safe storage mandates, and child access prevention—can save lives. Advocates warn that without meaningful policy changes, children will continue to bear the brunt of inadequate protections. Click here to view the entire article.

Join us for the 8th Annual Cops 4 Kids Golf Tournament on Friday, August 15th, 2025, at Drumlins Country Club! Formerly known as Karts 4 Kids, this Captain and Crew tournament is organized by the Law Enforcement Special Victims Unit at McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center—and it’s almost sold out, with just one team spot left!

Proceeds from the event directly support our mission to end child abuse in Onondaga County. Your participation and sponsorship help provide critical services to children who have experienced abuse and support our efforts to prevent abuse before it happens.

We’re still seeking generous sponsors to join us in making this event a success! Sponsorship levels start at just $100, with opportunities ranging from cart sponsors to premier exposure as our exclusive T-Shirt or Swag Sponsor. As a Swag Sponsor, your branded item will be handed out to all 136 golfers—offering a unique way to promote your business while supporting a vital cause.



This tournament continues to grow every year, and we’re on track for our second sell-out in a row. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it! View our sponsorship packet below to learn more.

10am on Saturday 8/02 @ KW Fitness in Cicero

Our friends at KW Fitness have generously chosen our organization to support for their August Charity Workout! Anyone can attend for a monetary donation of any amount! 100% of the proceeds will benefit our Center in the fight against child abuse.

KW Fitness is a personal training studio, but their Charity Workouts are a group, circuit style workout for all fitness levels.

To sign up – call 315-400-3252

Sunday 8/03 @ Middle Ages Anniversary Event

Join us in supporting our friends at Middle Ages Brewery as they celebrate their 30 year Anniversary! They’ve generously invited our staff and board to volunteer as beer pourers—and all tips earned during our shift will be donated back to the Center.



We’ll be pouring from 2–5 PM, so stop by, grab a drink, and say hello!

Friday 9/12 @ Jordan Elbridge Schools

Get ready to ride for a cause, we invite you to participate in Gear Up 4 Kids, a bike-a-thon from our Center on East Genesee Street to the Jordan Elbridge Central School District: JE Elementary School, JE Middle School and JE High School. The majority of the ride will take place on the Empire State Trail.

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

Not a cyclist? You can still support this event by donating to one of our dedicated riders! See their fundraising pages below.

Starting June 30, 2025, all new child car seats must meet updated federal safety standards (FMVSS 213a), requiring side-impact crash protection for children up to 40 pounds. The goal is to reduce injuries from T-bone collisions—one of the deadliest crash types for kids.

What this means for families:

• No need to replace your current seat, provided it isn’t expired, recalled, or improperly installed
• Expect to see “FMVSS 213a compliant” on labels or in product literature when shopping.
• Many major brands are already meeting the standard, and smaller manufacturers are also working to comply before the December deadline

Recommended next steps:

1. Check your car seat’s expiration date and recall status.
2. Ensure it’s installed correctly—online guides and local inspection stations can help.
3. When purchasing a new seat, ask the retailer or manufacturer if the model meets the FMVSS 213a standard.

These updates mark a major step forward in child passenger safety. You can view more information here!

As summer heats up, outdoor fun increases—but so do safety risks. According to the CDC, injuries are a leading cause of death among kids and teens. This recent Health Minute video, posted below for your viewing from KNOE Health, highlights the five top dangers to watch for:

1. Water-related injuries and drowning

• Supervision lapses around pools or natural water sources can be fatal. Always assign a designated “water watcher” and ensure children wear proper flotation devices.

1. Heat‑related illness

• High temperatures and outdoor play can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Keep kids hydrated, schedule breaks in shaded areas, and watch for warning signs.

1. Playground falls and injuries

• Equipment use increases in warmer months. Inspect playground surfaces, choose age-appropriate structures, and ensure adult supervision at all times.

1. Sunburns and UV exposure

• Intense sun can lead to painful burns and long-term skin damage. Use broad-spectrum SPF, reapply frequently, and encourage protective clothing and hats.

1. Insect bites, stings, and allergic reactions

• Mosquitoes, bees, ticks, and other bugs are out in force. Use safe repellents, check for ticks, and have antihistamine treatments handy in case of stings.

Summer offers children the best days of the year—but with more freedom comes greater risk. Taking a few extra precautions now can help prevent serious injuries, so families can enjoy the season with peace of mind.

👉 Watch this video from KNOE News 8 to learn more on this topic!