Munson Healthcare today announced a contribution of $5,000 to the Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) to support the health, safety and wellbeing of kids and families in the Manistee area. This contribution will support and expand essential direct services, such as therapy and the prevention program, aligning with the region’s Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) priorities, including mental health and access to healthcare.
This gift exemplifies Munson's commitment to reinvesting in our communities to enhance wellbeing and promote health.
Since 2009, the Lakeshore Children's Advocacy Center has been a sanctuary for children and their families who have endured sexual abuse, severe physical abuse or have witnessed violence. The center provides a nurturing, child-centered environment that fosters healing and support.
"Munson Healthcare has been an outstanding longtime partner of our children's advocacy center, most notably through the service of Dr. Jennifer Reinink of Manistee Pediatrics, who provides medical exams when needed for children who are served by our center,” said Megan McCarthy, Executive Director of CAC. “We are grateful for this generous financial support which will allow us to continue supporting child survivors of abuse on their journey to healing and help equip children with tools to keep them safe."
The Lakeshore CAC brings together a multidisciplinary team of child abuse professionals, including social workers, law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, medical examiners and mental health professionals. This team collaborates to deliver a coordinated response tailored to the unique needs of each child and family. With this donation, the Lakeshore CAC will be able to extend no-cost mental health counseling to child survivors of abuse, ensuring they receive the essential support needed to heal and thrive.
"Our Munson Healthcare teams are grateful to have exceptional partners in community health like CAC,” said Kelly Tomaszewski, Community President of Munson’s Manistee and Paul Oliver Memorial Hospitals. “Collaborating with programs like this that provide essential help to our families, especially our children, truly strengthens our community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in these efforts, as their dedication is instrumental in fostering a healthier, more supportive environment for our children and families."
The CAC also runs prevention programs, such as Safety Matters, which encourages children to disclose abuse to trusted adults and prepares adults in the community to better recognize and report abuse.
“A contribution to Lakeshore CAC helps create a safer, more resilient community. Early intervention and support can significantly improve the long-term outcomes for children, leading to healthier, more productive lives,” said Dr. Jennifer Reinink from Munson Manistee Pediatrics, who also provides services for CAC when needed. “The Lakeshore CAC plays a vital role in breaking the cycle of abuse by supporting children early in their journey.”
Access to care and mental health have consistently been top priorities in Northern Michigan’s Community Health Needs Assessments. The Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center extends critical services to some of the most vulnerable populations in our community, providing support that otherwise would not be available.
For more information about the Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center and how you can support their mission, please visit lakeshorekids.org.