The weekend has been full of so many feels, no matter your viewpoint. As we begin a new week, please know our agency supports you.

When young crime victims need our services, our agency supports you. Services are provided to the very best of our abilities; our agency supports you. Everyone is welcome; our agency supports you.

If you have any questions about the services our agency provides or if we can assist in connecting you to resources, please contact us. #WeWillBeHere

It takes a village to raise a child; it also takes a village to neglect a child--read that again. These are not my words, and I could not agree more.

I had the pleasure of sitting with a little who built an outstanding fort in our lobby. While hiding in the fort, the little told me they would be mad at me all the way up to the sky if I told their parents about the hiding spot. In context of the game, it was funny; in the context of the safety staying silent is not an option.

As I write this, I know there are children and youth we have not yet met; families struggling; and systems who are taxed. We ALL have the power to say something.
* Text 652729 (OK2SAY)
* Report Abuse/Neglect in Michigan 855-444-3911
* 911
* The SafeCenter 24-Hour Hotline 877-952-7283
* Contact our office, we will help connect you
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We can ALL say something, you may risk someone be mad at you all the way up to the sky--looking out for each other's safety is worth the risk.
Kelly Schafer, Executive Director

Advocate Sophie participated in two special assignments to support the Oxford Community. She is part of a statewide Canine Advocacy Program. These outstanding dogs answered the call to support Oxford schools as they reopened in December and January. The stories are not mine to share, this is Advocate Sophie's view of those day

     My person and I took two early morning trips to work. I felt things were different, but just went back to sleep because I like car rides.
     Before Christmas we went to a school with a lot, A LOT, of little humans.  It was super exciting to walk with them, hang out in their classrooms, and get SO, SO many pets. One was bummed I didn't know it was pajama day.  I got to sit while some little humans read books to me; it made me happy one knew not to read me a book about cats.  I just had fun but I could see the sad eyes and felt something was different for the humans. The taller humans thanked us so many times for coming and were giving extra hugs to the little humans who were struggling. After a long but FUN (for me) morning, I snored the entire way home.
     In January on a snowy morning, it was again a way longer ride to work, but I didn't care I just got to go back to sleep.  We parked at very big school.  This felt like another different day.  Walking into the school was hard for me to focus, it was snowing--I LOVE to play in the snow. This school had a lot more taller people, the day felt big.  
     I was assigned to be in the hallway where the really bad thing happened.  My job was to just get all the pets, this is a really great job!  Some of the humans were talking about teaching, all seemed a little nervous. Everyone was giving out hugs and most were saying how glad they were to be back.  It wasn't long before the hallways were full.  I hope the humans knew I was happy, my tongue was out and tail wagging--I did not let the humans walk past me without petting me.   I think I was told how cute I was at least 48,371 times (I know I am cute, but always good to hear).  There were moments of humans crumbling and they just looked so sad. I just sat with them; if you know me sitting still is sometimes hard when I'm with people, but me being still during those moments seemed important.
    When we left it was snowing a lot, and I got to play in it again. I heard that I made the car smell like wet dog; I am a dog, that makes sense.  On the way home I got to have chicken nuggets (I NEVER get those, I LOVED them) and I snored again.  This day had all the feels, and I would totally do it again if needed--I hope I am not.

I (Kelly) remember getting the message being asked if we could be available. ABSOLUTELY, no hesitation but a realization of what was bringing us all together. I definitely do not have 'the' answer.  We all know there are many viewpoints on would have/could have/should have been done, hindsight is a luxury. Oxford, like too many communities, is forever changed; after our experience I remain hopeful for their healing. We really did see #OxfordStrong during our visits.
TOGETHER we must work together to support kids, youth, and families through the hard times. We cannot continue to look the other way or assume someone else we do something--WE all are someone. If our agency can help, PLEASE contact us--we may not be the person but we will help connect you.
Advocate Sophie and I hope to never again be needed in this capacity, but like so many others #WeWillBeThere.​
Kelly L. Schafer, M.S., Executive Director, The Voice for Clinton County's Children