Children are our most precious and vulnerable members of society.
They are deserving of love, care and protection.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
BECAUSE CHILDREN MATTER
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month – a time set aside to recognize that protecting children is not just the responsibility of families or professionals, but of an entire community.
Voices of Courage has a few activities going on this month. The biggest is the 20th Annual Chance to Dance, arranged by Marla Heeler and The Dance Arts Center. Set for 6PM on April 11, this event showcases dance studios from around the region featuring children and youth of all ages.
A variety of dance styles will be performed. You can get your tickets now at jomotickets.com. There will also be a silent auction, bake sale alongside the recital all located inside the beautiful Missouri Theater located at 717 Edmond in downtown St. Joseph.
On April 16, Voices of Courage is hosting a private fundraiser in our efforts to keep local donations local. It’s our chance to provide a more intimate setting with potential donors who want to learn more about our agency.
The week of April 20 is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. During this week, our agency participates in several activities including the Crime Victims’ Rights Breakfast, a fun trivia night with our multidisciplinary team partners and others to promote teamwork. It’s an opportunity to take a break from our difficult jobs and get to know one another better.
April 22 is CAC GIVING DAY. We hope you will join us in working together as a community by donating to Voices of Courage during this day of giving. Funds donated help provide crucial funds so we can provide specialized healing services to children. You can donate here. More information will be available on our website and social media accounts. Please share with everyone to get the message out!
Finally, on April 27, the Missouri Network Against Child Abuse (MO-NACA) is hosting their annual Standing With Children Luncheon in Jefferson City. MO-NACA is the statewide agency that are experts in training, community education, and child advocacy for professionals, community members and partners who provide children with access to safety, justice and healing. They are also the agency that facilitates the network of child advocacy centers in Missouri, providing us with invaluable training, support and guidance regarding legislation affecting Missouri’s children, administration of our agencies and so much more.
THE MORE YOU KNOW
APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH: IT TAKES ALL OF US
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month – a time to recognize that keeping children safe is not just the responsibility of parents or professionals, but of an entire community.
As we have discussed before, child abuse does NOT happen in isolation, and neither does prevention. Behind every safe, supported child is a network of adults – teachers, neighbors, coaches, family members, and community organizations – all playing a role in creating environments where children are protected and heard.
Prevention starts long before a crisis occurs. It begins with strong families, connected communities, and access to resources that reduce stress and increase support. Something as simple as checking in on a neighbor, offering to help a parent, or learning the signs of abuse can make a meaningful difference.
At our agency, we see firsthand the impact a community response can have. When a child discloses abuse, they are met with a coordinated team of professionals working together to ensure their safety, minimize trauma, and begin the path to healing. This model, supported by the National Children’s Alliance, reflects what is possible when communities come together around children.
But, prevention goes beyond response. It requires awareness, compassion, and a willingness to act – even in small ways.
What can you do this April?
- Learn the signs of abuse and neglect (contact us and we’ll set this up!)
- Reach out to support a family who may be struggling (not just with abuse, but financially or with grief as an example)
- Share resources within your workplace, school, or faith community
- Be a safe, trusted adult in a child’s life
Every child deserves to grow up safe, supported and believed. This is a theme we emphasize ALL THE TIME. This April, we are reminded that the safety of children is not someone else’s responsibility – it belongs to all of us.
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Looking for a deeper way to make an impact?
Many people want to help protect children, but they just don’t know where to start. I get that. We don’t have the same volunteer opportunities that many agencies do, because we don’t share the identities of our clients in any kind of public way. So, helping looks different here.
The good news is that creating safer communities for children doesn’t require one single grand gesture. It happens through consistent, collective action.
If you are looking for a deeper way to make a difference, consider the role you can play in a child’s life – and in the life of our community.
You can be the adult who listens without judgment. The neighbor who offers support to a family under stress. The teacher, coach or mentor who recognizes when something isn’t right and takes action (action can just mean asking a few questions). These everyday moments matter more than you might realize.
You can also make an impact by strengthening the systems that protect children.
At Voices of Courage, children who have experienced abuse receive forensic interviews, advocacy and trauma-focused mental health services at no cost to their families.
Why? Because our mission includes the belief that victims should not have to pay to heal from the trauma they have experienced!
This work is only possible because of a community that believes children deserve to be safe, heard, and supported – every single time.
When you give financially, you help ensure that no child is turned away from services. When you volunteer, you extend the reach of care and compassion. When you share our mission, you help break the silence that allows abuse to continue.
REAL CHANGE HAPPENS WHEN AWARENESS TURNS INTO ACTION
Here are a few meaningful ways to get involved:
- Make a one-time or monthly gift to support child-centered services
- Invite others to learn about the work being done in our community
- Advocate for policies and funding that protect children
- When you vote, choose a candidate that supports child safety. Are children a priority for the candidate? Have you even heard them mention children? If not – ask!
Every action – big or small – helps build a community where children are safer, families are stronger, and healing is possible.
Because making an impact isn’t about doing everything. It’s about choosing to do something – and doing it together.
Melissa Birdsell
Together, we can build a community where every child has the chance to thrive.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
MYTH VS. FACT
Over the next few newsletters, we are going to post a few common myths about child abuse, then talk about facts. We want to dispel some myths related to child abuse because myths can be harmful. Facts keep children safe.
MYTH: If it was really serious, the child would tell someone right away.
FACT: Many children delay disclosure for months or even years due to fear, shame, or confusion.
There are many reasons a child may not tell right away. They may feel afraid of getting in trouble or not being believed. Typically their abuser has said this to them over and over until they believe it.
They might care about or depend on the person who hurt them.
Younger children may not have the language to describe what happened, or may not fully understand that what they experienced was wrong. We find this to be true when we talk to children at schools in our prevention programs. It’s just a part of their lives and they don’t necessarily know it’s wrong or different than other children’s experiences.
In come cases, children are directly threatened or manipulated into staying silent. In others, feelings of shame, confusion, or fear of disrupting their family keep them from speaking up.
Disclosure is often a process, not a single moment – and it may happen in small pieces over time. Children might test a ‘trusted adult’ with some information to see how they will react before telling them more.
WHY IT MATTERS: When a child does choose to speak up – no matter how much time has passed – how adults respond can shape what happens next. Listen calmly. Believe them. Help connect them to support services. These small things can make all the difference in their healing.
Every child deserves to be heard, no matter when they find their voice.
QUARTERLY IMPACT
CORPORATE CHAMPIONS CAMPAIGN UDATE
In an earlier newsletter, we announced that we would be rolling out our Corporate Champions Campaign.
This campaign is designed to partner with local businesses that share our commitment to protection children and strengthening families.
These partners will play a vital role in ensuring children in our community can access services without cost, delay or barriers, regardless of the family’s circumstances.
We are proud to announce that we have our first partner. Mosaic Life Care has generously donated as a Founding Champion to kick this campaign off for us.
If you would like to join Mosaic in working together to protect children, contact Melissa or call 816-232-1744 to learn more.
QUARTERLY VOICES OF COURAGE SERVICES UPDATE
In the first quarter of 2026, Voices of Courage provided the following services.
Forensic Interviews – 138
Free Therapy Sessions – 455
Advocacy services – 274
All services are provided FREE to our victim families. We believe that children or their families should not have to pay for the healing services they need following abuse.
#itisyourbusiness Missouri Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline 800-392-3738