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Spring Newsletter 2021
 A Note from the Director
As April is well underway, we have had days of beautiful spring weather as well as the rainy days needed to grow spring flowers. For those of us who like to garden, we select, plant, nurture, gather and admire the results of our hard work. Each of these steps enables us to strengthen our plants so that they are at their maximum health. It sure does sounds simple but it is anything but simple.
This year, Prevent Child Abuse America, while using the pinwheel as a symbol of safe, happy and healthy childhoods, is focused on Growing a Better Tomorrow for All Children, Together.” The merging of the pinwheel with the concept of growing better tomorrow’s allows us to be hopeful about the critical work that is being done in every county in Michigan, right now. This time of year, gives me great hope---yes, hope of warmer weather and this year, in particular, hope of being with family and friends. The fact is that we are all working together for the best interest of Michiganders through this pandemic. CTF asks that you consider working with us to “Unearth the Possibilities” for our children through the prevention of child abuse and neglect in your community! Check out this map to find out where you can turn to be involved in bringing HOPE to our children and families.
- Suzanne Greenberg, CTF Executive Director
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Honoring a Fierce Advocate for Michigan’s Children
Michele Robotham Corey was an unparalleled leader among child advocates. Our colleagues across the state are feeling the loss of a great friend and advocate. Michele’s tireless belief in the possibilities for making life better for Michigan’s Children enabled her to work with anyone- state, private and individuals alike! Although she was passionate and believed in many aspects of advocating for children, Michele was a full and committed partner in our work together as Michigan’s co-leads for Prevent Child Abuse America. We had made plans and CTF will continue this great work with her friends and colleagues at Michigan’s Children. Our team at CTF is blessed to have worked side by side with her for decades. Here are just a couple of the tributes that our colleagues have shared in the last week:
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“So many of us have a heavy heart with Michele’s passing. I’ve known her from her early days of child advocacy. No matter what the successes or the frustrations with a step and a half forward and a step back, Michele’s humor and indefatigable spirit were always a source of inspiration. I never left a conversation with her where I didn’t come away affirmed that our efforts were making a difference.” – Mike Foley, former CTF Executive Director (Retired)
"Each year, in preparation for April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month, Michele helped train and provide support for the 72 CTF Local Councils, teaching them how to establish and nurture relationships with their respective policy makers. We jointly established Legislative Education Day, which enabled CTF Local Councils to meet with legislators and educate them about child maltreatment programming and needs across the state. Through Michele’s efforts, councils learned of the importance of establishing these relationships so that they could impart the prevention message and its immense impact potential for a healthier state. Legislators learned more about the child abuse and neglect work being accomplished across the state and the continuing prevention needs of our communities. The world is a better place today because of who she was and what she accomplished while here. May her memory always be a blessing!" - Emily Schuster-Wachsberger, CTF Local Council Coordinator
Our heartfelt condolences to Tom and her beautiful children who are a reflection of the love and compassion that she showed to all of us. Thank you for your love and support of your wife and mom as she was your biggest fans and always shared the latest and greatest updates about each of you. She will not be forgotten as we move forward and continue to the work that she loved. Read more tributes to Michele here.
Child Abuse Prevention Month
Governor Whitmer has once again designated April as Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month. While we strive to raise awareness about the importance of child abuse prevention each day, CAP Month allows us the chance to spread our shared belief that all children deserve safe, happy, and healthy childhoods. The blue pinwheel, with its childlike whimsy, represents this vision so we continue to promote the symbol in safe, physically distant ways during the pandemic. Please check out our Facebook page to learn more about CAP Month, find helpful resources, and Stand Up for Kids with us by sharing our content with your networks!
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Show Your Support!
Plant a virtual pinwheel on Prevent Child Abuse America's map. Proceeds from pinwheels planted in Michigan on the virtual map will be passed along to CTF!
Get some pinwheel gear from our new online store to show your support of CAP Month! Check out our face masks, vinyl decals, and more!
Download the Virtual Zoom/Teams Background seen above.
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Tax Campaign
Please consider CTF when filing your 2020 taxes! Last year, over $80,000 was raised through income tax contributions to distribute to local prevention organizations throughout Michigan. Whether you're using paper form 4642, e-filing, or using a tax preparer, will you help us make it $100,000 in 2021?
For our prevention partners: check out our 2021 Tax Campaign Toolkit to easily promote CTF's tax campaign!
The tax deadline has been extended to May 17, 2021 so there's still time to make a difference with your 2020 taxes!
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Kicking off CAP Month with Wear Blue Day on April 1st!
 The CTF Board of Directors Executive Committee showing off their blue on April 1, 2021. Top Row, Left to Right: Amy Tattrie Loepp, CTF Board Chair; Tammy Bernier, Sharif Hussein. Bottom Row, Left to Right: Alisande Shrewsbury, Suzanne Greenberg, Jill Simms.
#WearMIBlue Pictures from Around the State
 These are just a few from the many pictures posted- check out #WearMIBlue on social media to see the rest. Thank you to all who participated in Wear Blue Day 2021!
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