Dear McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center Family,

As we move into September, a month focused on learning and awareness, I’m excited to share more about our upcoming Stand Up Against Child Abuse Conference — one of the key ways we connect with the community through education, outreach, and training.

This annual event brings together professionals, advocates, and community members committed to ending child abuse through education, collaboration, and empowerment. It’s a day that reminds us that standing up for children starts with standing together. If you haven’t already registered for our September 25^th day of learning at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown, I encourage you to do so and invite others to join. Every voice matters in the fight to protect children.

September is also Suicide Awareness Month, and it’s vital we acknowledge how deeply connected this issue is to the work we do. Many of the children and families we serve have endured unimaginable trauma, and without proper intervention, that trauma can leave lasting emotional scars. By providing comprehensive care—including mental health support, advocacy, and prevention education—we aim to be a beacon of hope in moments of darkness.

Thank you for being a part of this essential work. With your support, McMahon Ryan continues to be a place where healing begins, hope is restored, and futures are rewritten.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Erin Bates

Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Spotlight:

Detective Tanya Wickline

With 27 years in law enforcement—20 of those with the Sheriff’s Office—Detective Wickline brings deep experience and unwavering commitment to her role. For the past 5½ years, she has served in the Special Victims Unit, where she investigates some of the most sensitive and complex cases involving sexual abuse.

What drives Tanya is her profound passion for advocating for both children and adults who have experienced abuse. She finds fulfillment in the process of seeking justice, learning and growing through each case, and working collaboratively with our MDT. Her belief in the power of teamwork is clear: “I truly enjoy working together as a multi-disciplinary team, giving these children a voice, and working toward justice. I am confident that our work as an MDT brings light back into a child’s darkness.”

We’re honored to work alongside Tanya and grateful for the compassion, strength, and expertise she brings to our mission every day.

There’s still time to be part of an inspiring day of learning, collaboration, and advocacy. Our Stand Against Child Abuse Conference is just around the corner—and we’d love to see you there! Registration closes on 9/18.

👉 CLICK HERE to register today!

As part of our Stand Against Child Abuse Conference, we’re welcoming our entire community to attend Christina Meredith’s Keynote Presentation—and we’d love for you to be there.

Featuring Christina Meredith – author, advocate, and survivor whose story of resilience and transformation has inspired audiences nationwide.

This special ticket includes a continental breakfast and access to Christina’s keynote presentation. Tickets are just $30 per person, and every seat helps us raise awareness and build a stronger, safer community for children.

📌 Registration for the entire conference closes September 18th. Registration to attend the Keynote/Breakfast portion only closes September 24th.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, neighbor, or simply someone who cares—your presence matters. We strongly encourage our entire community to attend and stand with us in support of children and families.

At McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, we believe that suicide prevention is a shared responsibility—and that every action, no matter how small, can help save a life. September is Suicide Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, foster hope, and take meaningful steps toward change.

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) encourages communities to take part by:

• Learning what works: Educate yourself on evidence-based strategies that reduce suicide risk.
• Sharing stories of hope: Personal experiences can break stigma and inspire others to seek help.
• Promoting connection: A simple check-in or conversation can be life-saving.
• Spreading awareness of resources: The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress.

To deepen our understanding, we’re also featuring the CDC’s video 7 Strategies for Suicide Prevention, which outlines a comprehensive, public health approach to reducing suicide rates. These strategies include:

• Strengthening economic supports
• Creating protective environments
• Improving access to and delivery of suicide care
• Promoting connectedness
• Teaching coping and problem-solving skills
• Identifying and supporting people at risk
• Lessening harms and preventing future risk

📹 Watch the video below to learn how these strategies work together to build safer, more resilient communities.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You are not alone.

This past Friday, September 12th, our community came together for Gear Up 4 Kids, McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center’s inaugural bike-a-thon to raise awareness and support in the fight against child abuse.

Over 40 Riders departed from our Center in Downtown Syracuse and made their way to the Jordan Elbridge Central School District, traveling along the scenic Empire State Trail.

From seasoned cyclists to first-time riders, participants chose from four ride options—ranging from a 7-mile school loop to a 50-mile round trip—and rode in small groups led by experienced cyclists. The energy, compassion, and commitment shown throughout the day was nothing short of inspiring.

Together, we raised over $17,000. These funds will directly support our work to provide healing services to children impacted by abuse and expand prevention education across Onondaga County.

📸 Event Highlights:

We’re deeply grateful to every rider, sponsor, volunteer, and donor who made this event possible. Your support helps us give children a voice and a path to healing.

We will keep the riders fundraising pages up for 1 more week, click the button below to donate!

Holiday Angels Is Coming Soon!

As the season of giving approaches, we’re excited to share that our beloved Holiday Angels Project will be returning this year! 🌟🎄🎁

Each holiday season, our community comes together to brighten the lives of children and families impacted by abuse—and we’re endlessly grateful for the generosity and heart that make this possible.

We invite you, your family, office, or organization to become a Holiday Angel this year by adopting a child or family in need. Your support will help ensure that children who have experienced the trauma of abuse can still experience the joy of the holidays.

There are many ways to get involved:

• Adopt a child or family: Provide gifts (two needs and one want) for each child. Wish lists and sizes will be shared in early November.
• Give a monetary donation: Help us provide food baskets and turkeys for every family.
• Donate wrapping supplies: Scissors, tape, wrapping paper, and gift bags are all needed.
• Volunteer your time: Join us in mid-December to help wrap presents.

To sign up, email our Development Specialist, Catherine Cramer, at CCramer@mcmahonryan.org or fill out the form below.

Erin’s Law was passed in New York State in August 2019. This law requires public schools to teach child sexual abuse prevention to K-8th grade students. Parents and school personnel learn the warning signs of child sexual abuse and are given information to support sexually abused children and their families.

At McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, our Outreach and Education team can provide child abuse prevention education that is required by all public schools. Our team teaches students in an age-appropriate way how to recognize unsafe situations and when to seek help from safe, trusted adults. We also offer trainings and support for school personnel, parents/caregivers, and community members on recognizing and responding to child sexual abuse. Our team provides this essential education to over 26,000 children in Onondaga County schools each year.

At McMahon Ryan CAC, we envision a world free of child sexual abuse, where children can grow up happy, healthy, and safe. Prevention is possible if we, as a community, take action to protect all children. For more information on Erin’s Law and our Outreach & Education programs, visit our website here.

September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time to reflect, educate, and act. For the Childhood Fatality Review Team (CFRT), this month is a powerful reminder of the importance of early intervention, compassionate communication, and community awareness in preventing youth suicide.

One of the most impactful ways we can support prevention is by understanding the Dos and Don’ts when talking to someone who may be struggling.

✅ DO:

• Ask them: Are you thinking about hurting yourself?
• Listen: Let them know you’re there to hear them out.
• Validate: How they feel.

❌ DON’T:

• Don’t ignore them or be afraid to ask.
• Don’t interrupt when listening to their story.
• Don’t try to fix the problem.

By practicing these principles, we can help prevent tragedies and support healing. CFRT remains committed to reviewing cases with compassion and using data to drive prevention strategies that protect our youth.

📞 If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—available 24/7.