Double your impact. Donations matched up to $10,000!
Northern Lights Child Advocacy Center Awarded $10,000 M.E. Davenport Foundation Grant to Empower Marquette County Child Abuse Survivors
Northern Lights Child Advocacy Center (NLCAC), the organization dedicated to supporting Marquette County child abuse survivors, is pleased to announce the receipt of a generous $20,000 grant from the M.E. Davenport Foundation. $10,000 has been awarded for essential program-related supplies. In addition, the M.E. Davenport Foundation is putting forth a $10,000 matching grant to support vital services at the center including forensic interviews, victim advocacy, coordination of a multidisciplinary team to respond to child abuse, and community education. This matching grant will match dollar-to-dollar all donations received by September 15, 2023, up to $10,000.
This much-needed funding will enable the center to expand its critical services and provide a lifeline to children who have experienced physical and sexual abuse, neglect, human trafficking, and other trauma.
The newly revitalized children’s advocacy center is working to protect Marquette County’s most vulnerable community members - our children. With this incredible grant, they are now poised to make an even greater impact in the lives of child abuse survivors and their families. The center works in partnership with the Marquette County Prosecutor's Office, local law enforcement, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Women’s Center, schools, childcare providers, and families to decrease instances of child maltreatment and protect children who have been victimized.
“We are deeply grateful to the M.E. Davenport Foundation for their commitment to helping us protect and support child abuse survivors.”
"This grant will significantly enhance our ability to offer comprehensive services, ensuring that children affected by abuse receive the specialized care they need to heal and thrive." The grant will be allocated to various vital supplies and services at the center. Children’s Advocacy Centers like Northern Lights provide:
Forensic Interviews: The center conducts forensic interviews in a child-friendly environment, designed to minimize distress and provide a safe space for children to share their experiences.
Medical Support: In collaboration with other local agencies, exams are provided by specially trained medical professionals which ensure the physical well-being of the survivors while collecting critical evidence that can be used to prosecute offenders.
Case Management: Dedicated case managers work closely with each survivor and their family, providing personalized support, guidance, and referrals to resources to help them rebuild their lives.
Court Support: Northern Lights Child Advocacy Center can support young victims when they must testify in court, providing comfort and using trauma-informed strategies which empower survivors and allow them to move forward from the trauma they have suffered and heal.
Prevention Education: The center will expand its efforts in educating the community about child abuse prevention, aiming to raise awareness and promote early intervention.
M.E. Davenport’s dollar-to-dollar match for individual donations up to the value of $10,000 means that every contribution from caring community members will be doubled, effectively doubling the impact and reach of their support. It is critical this support is received before September 15, 2023!
"Individual contributions play a vital role in sustaining our services and ensuring that we can be there for every child who needs us," Zyburt continued. "With this matching opportunity, the community's support will go twice as far in helping these brave survivors achieve healing.”
The center encourages community members, businesses, and organizations to participate in this remarkable matching opportunity and join NLCAC in shining a light for children by safeguarding the well-being of our youth. Together, we can create a safe and nurturing environment where Marquette County abuse survivors can reclaim their childhood and build a brighter future.
