May 2025 Newsletter
Letter from Executive Director | | |
Dear McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center Family,
May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a vital time to recognize the deep connection between child abuse and mental health. The effects of abuse don’t end when the abuse stops — its emotional and psychological effects can linger for years, impacting every stage of a child’s development. Further, we know that trauma doesn’t heal on its own. Without support, its impact can ripple into adulthood, affecting relationships, self-worth, and overall well-being. But with early, trauma-informed mental health care, healing is possible.
Therapy can:
- Provide a safe, supportive space for children to process their experiences
- Teach emotional regulation and coping skills
- Encourage healthy relationships and boundaries
- Strengthen family communication and healing
- Reduce the long-term psychological impact of trauma
Healing from child abuse means more than physical safety — it requires mental and emotional restoration. Each therapy session is a step toward hope, resilience, and rebuilding trust. That’s why our on-site therapists are such a vital part of the services we provide. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and expertise in supporting the 1,800 children who have come through our doors in the past year.
If you or someone you know needs support — or if you’d like to learn more about our mental health services — please visit out website!
Warm regards,
Mrs. Erin Bates
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Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Spotlight: Monica Hopkins
This month, we are proud to highlight Monica Hopkins, our Director of Counseling at McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center. Monica has dedicated her career to working with children who have experienced trauma, providing compassionate therapy in a variety of settings, including residential treatment, school-based programs, inpatient psychiatry, and treatment family foster care.
Since joining McMahon Ryan CAC in October 2022, Monica has continued this deeply meaningful work, bringing with her a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to helping children heal.
When asked what drives her, Monica reflected on the gravity and importance of this work. “Not everyone can carry these stories and not take them home,” she shared. “But someone has to do this work—because the need is real, and the impact can be life changing.”
Monica’s approach centers on strong self-care, which allows her to stay grounded and present for the children she serves. For her, leading a program that fosters growth and resilience is more than a professional role—it’s a privilege. She considers it an honor to witness powerful transformations, and each child’s healing journey reaffirms her sense of purpose.
We are incredibly grateful for Monica and the passion, strength, and empathy she brings to our team every day.
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Employee of the month –
Tasha Benjamin
This month, we’re honored to recognize Tasha Benjamin, Lead Advocate at McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center. Tasha began her journey in victim services in 2013 as a volunteer supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. From the very beginning, she has brought compassion, calm, and a deep sense of purpose to those navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
If you’ve ever met Tasha, you’ve likely experienced the grounding presence she offers so naturally—an ability to make others feel seen, heard, and never alone.
Over the past twelve years, Tasha’s passion for advocacy has only grown stronger. She shares that working at McMahon Ryan CAC has given her the profound privilege of being a steady light in the darkest times for her clients. Her commitment to this work is evident in every interaction, every moment of support, and every life she touches.
Tasha is an integral part of what makes McMahon Ryan CAC so special. Her dedication not only uplifts the children and families we serve, but also brings a sense of care and strength to her colleagues—reminding us all why we do this work.
| | | | Announcing a new event: Gear Up 4 Kids | | |
September 12th, 2025
Get ready to ride for a cause! On Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center invites 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.
More than just a ride, Gear Up 4 Kids is a crowdfunding effort, empowering you to raise funds to support the fight against child abuse in our community. All funds raised will benefit McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center in the fight against child abuse in Onondaga County. The Center provided a path to healing for 1,811 children in the past year who experienced abuse.
We will have multiple options for this ride to choose from:
- Ride A: Total 50 miles / From the MRCAC, on the Empire State Trail to Jordan Elbridge schools and return .
- Ride B: Total 25 Miles / From MRCAC to JE Schools. (Make your own arrangements to be dropped off and or picked up.)
- Ride C: Total 25 Miles / From JE Schools to MRCAC. (Make your own arrangements to be dropped off and or picked up.)
- Ride D: Total 7 miles / Ride the three JE Schools (Make your own arrangements to be dropped off and or picked up.)
Ready to ride for a reason? Sign up now and start fundraising!
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Next Up: 100 Holes 4 Kids on May 19th
at Bellevue Country Club
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This isn’t your average golf tournament. 100 Holes 4 Kids, presented by C.O Falter Construction, is a unique opportunity for an exclusive set of community leaders and golfers to fundraise and compete in a 100-hole, 12-hour long tournament at Bellevue Country Club.
Each golfer works to raise a minimum of $3,000 each for the center leading up to this incredible event! Check out the link below to support a golfer and help them reach their fundraising goals!
| | Thank you for the support during April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month! | | A huge thank you to everyone who took part in our Go Blue 4 Kids campaign last month! Your support – whether through purchasing pinwheels and April Items, attending one of our signature April fundraisers, or just spreading the word – has helped us light up Onondaga County in blue and spread powerful awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month. Together we’re making a difference in the lives of children and families in our community! | | We were honored to welcome Governor Kathy Hochul to our Go Blue 4 Kids Breakfast on April 18th. She joined us in recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month by reading a special proclamation and showing her unwavering support for children and families across New York State. | | Looking Ahead: Cops 4 Kids | | |
Friday August 15th at Drumlins
Cops 4 Kids (formally known as Karts 4 Kids) is a golf tournament put on by the Law Enforcement – Special Victims Unit at McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center. The Annual Captain and Crew golf tournament will benefit McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, as it works to end child abuse in Onondaga County. Registration is officially open for this event!
We also have amazing sponsor opportunities available – view more information below.
| | National Foster Care Awareness Month | | |
In recognition of May’s National Foster Care Awareness Month, take a moment to explore important insights and information shared by the Outreach and Education team at McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center. Their facts highlight the unique challenges faced by children in foster care and underscore the vital role our community plays in supporting their well-being and safety.
For more information regarding Onondaga County’s foster care system, click the link below!
| | CFRT – Resources for Adolescent Mental Health | | |
NIMH Child & Adolescent Mental Health Shareables
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month! The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) offers a variety of free, ready-to-share digital resources to promote mental health awareness in children and teens.
📌 What’s Available:
- Infographics & Social Media Posts – Covering topics like teen depression, stress, and trauma.
- Short Videos – On brain development, anxiety, and treatment options.
- Printable Activity Books – Interactive resources like Stand Up to Stress!
- Bilingual Materials – Many items are available in both English and Spanish.
| | How You Can Support McMahon Ryan CAC | | We will gladly receive the following items for donation to our cause |
- K-Cups and individual creamers
- Individually wrapped kids’ snacks
- Personal care items
- Juice-boxes
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable goods for our food pantry
- Diapers & Wipes
| |  | Please consider a general donation to McMahon Ryan CAC | |
Below is how far your dollar can go to help the clients we serve
$25 – Provides essential items for Clients
$50 – Provides Initial Advocacy Services for 1 child
$100 – Provides a Therapy Session for 1 child
$250 – Provides an Appointment through the CARE Program
$500 – Provides Community Prevention Education
$1,000 – Provides Full Services for One Child
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McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center
601 E Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13027
315-701-2985
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