March 2025 Newsletter

Letter from Executive Director

Dear McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center Family,

We are looking ahead to April, which is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse and supporting the vital services that help children and families heal here in our community of Onondaga County.

Community is more than just a place—it’s the people who come together to protect and uplift one another. This April, during Child Abuse Prevention Month, we invite you to stand with us in the Go Blue 4 Kids campaign to raise awareness and support for children and families in need.

There are many ways to get involved this April; plant pinwheels as a symbol of childhood hope and safety, purchase Go Blue items to spread awareness, come to the center for a tour with me, or attend an event to show support.

Awareness is critical to the work we do, and together, we can make a difference because every child deserves a safe and happy future.

Your participation and generosity help us continue providing hope and healing to children in need. We appreciate your ongoing support, and I look forward to seeing and meeting so many of you in April!

Warm regards,

Mrs. Erin Bates

Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Spotlight:

Dominique Grainger

Dominique has been a dedicated advocate for children and families for nearly seven years in Child Protective Services. Before that, she worked with children facing mental health and behavioral challenges, bringing a wealth of experience to her role.

Since joining our Multi-Disciplinary team in 2022, Dominique has been committed to diligently advocating for the children she encounters. Her work is deeply personal—when she was a teenager, her nephew was severely abused and removed from his biological parents. That experience ignited her passion for child advocacy and continues to drive her today.

For Dominique, supporting children and families goes beyond immediate intervention. Whether helping families build strong support systems or seeking alternative placements to empower them, her goal is always centered on safety, growth, and community. Having grown up in this very community, she is devoted to making a lasting impact here.

Thank you, Dominique, for your dedication and the difference you make every day!

Employee of the month – Alyssa Prawl

We are excited to announce that Alyssa Prawl has been selected as our Employee of the Month! Alyssa has been an integral part of our team as a therapist for just over a year, and in that time, she has truly exemplified what it means to be dedicated to the healing and well-being of her clients.

Alyssa’s approach to therapy goes beyond just her one-on-one sessions. She understands the importance of caregiver support and actively works with the systems surrounding her clients, ensuring a comprehensive approach to their care. Her commitment to her clients’ journeys is evident in the thoughtful and empathetic care she provides.

Not only is Alyssa a fierce advocate for her clients and their families, but she has also demonstrated incredible leadership by taking on therapy interns. Through this, she is helping to support and mentor the next generation of social workers, passing along the knowledge and compassion that makes her such a valuable member of our team.

Alyssa, thank you for your hard work, your heart for service, and your unwavering dedication. We are so fortunate to have you with us!

Get your Eat Local Raffle Tickets!

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 number.

Purchase online here

Don’t miss out on April’s Child Abuse Prevention month fundraisers…

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. Tickets are almost sold out – if you plan on attending be sure to purchase now!

Purchase Tickets

View Supporting Opportunities

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!

Purchase Tickets

View Sponsor Opportunities

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.

View Sponsor Opportunities

Join Our Go Blue 4 Kids Campaign This April!

Purchase Items online

Help us turn Onondaga blue in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month! This April, we’re raising awareness by selling Go Blue items and pinwheels, the national symbol of a happy and healthy childhood.

Here’s how you can get involved:

🔹 Wear your support – Rock Go Blue pins, stickers, and bracelets all month long.

🔹 Plant a Pinwheel Garden – Display pinwheels in your yard to spread awareness.

🔹 Send a “Blow Away” – Surprise a friend, neighbor, or family member! A staff member will plant 50 pinwheels and a lawn sign in their yard, along with a letter explaining they’ve been “Blown Away.” They’ll be encouraged to continue the challenge, helping to spread awareness and fundraising efforts even further.

Together, we can make a difference—one pinwheel at a time! 💙

Paper Order Form

Paper Blow Away Order Form

CFRT – National Poison Prevention Week March 16th-22nd

We would like to share this incredible resource on poison prevention. The “Child and Adolescent Poisoning Prevention” event by the Children’s Safety Network focuses on addressing the critical issue of poisoning in children and adolescents. The webinar, which was held on March 25, 2024, features expert speakers discussing the alarming statistics of poisoning-related deaths among young individuals and strategies for prevention.

Dr. Kaitlyn Brown and Deirdre M. George Davis lead the session, sharing insights on pediatric and adolescent poisoning exposures. The event highlights the importance of awareness and education in reducing the risks of both unintentional and suicide-related poisonings.

To read more or listen to the archived recording of this amazing webinar, click the link below!

Listen here

10 Ways to Teach Children to Speak Up About Sexual Abuse

The article from Child Mind Institute provides ten practical ways for parents to teach their children the skills needed to prevent sexual abuse. It emphasizes the importance of starting early with open conversations about body safety, privacy, boundaries, and the concept of “body secrets.” The tips aim to empower children with the knowledge to protect themselves, speak up, and seek help if necessary. Key strategies include teaching the correct names for body parts, setting clear boundaries, and ensuring children feel safe discussing uncomfortable situations.

Find the full article below!

Read Here