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www.scanva.org SUMMER/FALL 2017 Volume 21, Issue 2 SCAN of Northern Virginia | www.scanva.org Northern Virginia’s leading voice in the prevention of child abuse and neglect Speak Up For Children A Sunny Croquet Day to Support SCAN ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: CASA Program News PAGE 2 Operation Safe Babies PAGE 3 Strengthening Families PAGE 4 New Board, Staff Members PAGE 6 Cricle of Hope Reception and Photos PAGE 7 S CAN’s 5th Annual Croquet Day raised over $42,000 thanks to dozens of players, 30 sponsors and special guests including NBC4 meteorologist Chuck Bell whose cheerful announcing was matched only by the sunny skies! Held in Hensley Park in Alexandria on June 3rd, the event would not have been possible without the leadership of our two top sponsors: CustomInk and Dave Cleary. "Croquet Bob" (croquet expert Bob Kroeger) joined us to lay out the fields, explain tournament rules and keep the play moving. BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) volunteers assisted with parking, and provided several golf carts to help transfer attendees to the croquet site. More than 30 competitive and recreational teams represented local banks, law firms, realtors, and small businesses. A raffle included five donated prizes including a large, stuffed pony from Wells Fargo, National Harbor Wheel tickets, Potomac River Boat cruise tickets, and an outing to Barboursville Winery. Food trucks and caterers included Basic Burger, CrepeLove, District Taco, Rita’s of Fairfax and Windows Catering, while Two Blue entertained the crowd with live music. 1: The Carlyle Croquet Connoisseurs Team, sponsored by Access National Bank, won first place in the tournament, and is pictured here with team members Ben Lawler, John Long, Dean Shaw, and Roly St.Clair Barrie. That team also took home the coveted 2017 Banker’s Cup. 2: The Best Bank in Town Team sponsored by BB&T Bank was awarded “Best Competitive Team Uniform” for their sporty argyle matching fashion pictured here with team members, Jennifer Ferrara, Marion Brunken, Tina Townsend, and Miguel Parada. 3: The 2017 Lawyer’s Cup went to The Cro-Kays Team sponsored by The Law Offices of Gwena Kay Tibbits. 4: Special thanks to the volunteers who made Croquet Day possible! O n April 6th, SCAN honored six individuals for their efforts to protect children and support families across Northern Virginia. Held during Child Abuse Prevention Month, the 15th Annual Allies in Prevention Awards also introduced SCAN's new Child Abuse Prevention Campaign, Parenting Can Be Tough, to the 150 child welfare advocates, elected officials and special guests in attendance. (Read more about the campaign on page 3.) ABC7’s Scott Taylor joined us as emcee, and Dr. Christina Johns gave the keynote address. Delegate Tag Greason presented the awards to the honorees. Sponsors made the event possible by funding the campaign as well as tickets for honorees. Special thanks to AT&T, Inova, Martha Abbott, Blair Blake, Elm Street Development, Inc., Virginia Geoffrey & John Andelin, Robin Hamby , Leana Katz, Mary Kudless, Tim & Lecia Stock, Kay Tibbits, and Hon. George Varoutsos. Heroes Honored in April 1 2 3 4 The 2017 Allies in Prevention award winners with SCAN's Executive Director Sonia Quiñónez include (L to R): representatives of 100 Women Strong from Loudoun; Betsy Young from Prince William; Theodore Jones & James Moore from Alexandria; and Nanette Bowler from Fairfax. Not pictured is Marcella Rustioni, LCSW, from Arlington. Laura Ragin (2nd from left) accepted on her behalf. SPECIAL THANKS TO PSK CREATIVE FOR PHOTOGRAPHS OF CROQUET DAY.

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Page 1: Speak Up For Children · 2017. 7. 20. · Speak Up for Children - SUMMER/FALL 2017 3 Update from the Public Education Program: Dear Friends, Since beginning Operation Safe Babies

w w w . s c a n v a . o r g S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 7 V o l u m e 2 1 , I s s u e 2

S C A N o f N o r t h e r n V i r g i n i a | w w w . s c a n v a . o r g

Northern Virginia’s leading voice in the prevention of child abuse and neglect

Speak Up For Children

A Sunny Croquet Day to Support SCAN

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:CASA Program News PAGE 2

Operation Safe Babies PAGE 3

Strengthening Families PAGE 4

New Board, Staff Members PAGE 6

Cricle of Hope Reception and Photos PAGE 7

SCAN’s 5th Annual Croquet Day raised over $42,000 thanks to dozens of players, 30 sponsors and special guests including

NBC4 meteorologist Chuck Bell whose cheerful announcing was matched only by the sunny skies! Held in Hensley Park in Alexandria on June 3rd, the event would not have been possible without the leadership of our two top sponsors: CustomInk and Dave Cleary.

"Croquet Bob" (croquet expert Bob Kroeger) joined us to lay out the fields, explain tournament rules and keep the play moving. BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) volunteers assisted with parking, and provided several golf carts to help transfer attendees to the croquet site.

More than 30 competitive and recreational teams represented local banks, law firms, realtors, and small businesses. A raffle included five donated prizes including a large, stuffed pony from Wells Fargo, National Harbor Wheel tickets, Potomac River Boat cruise tickets, and an outing to Barboursville Winery.

Food trucks and caterers included Basic Burger, CrepeLove, District Taco, Rita’s of Fairfax and Windows Catering, while Two Blue entertained the crowd with live music.

1: The Carlyle Croquet Connoisseurs Team, sponsored by Access National Bank, won first place in the tournament, and is pictured here with team members Ben Lawler, John Long, Dean Shaw, and Roly St.Clair Barrie. That team also took home the coveted 2017 Banker’s Cup. 2: The Best Bank in Town Team sponsored by BB&T Bank was awarded “Best Competitive Team Uniform” for their sporty argyle matching fashion pictured here with team members, Jennifer Ferrara, Marion Brunken, Tina Townsend, and Miguel Parada. 3: The 2017 Lawyer’s Cup went to The Cro-Kays Team sponsored by The Law Offices of Gwena Kay Tibbits. 4: Special thanks to the volunteers who made Croquet Day possible!

On April 6th, SCAN honored six individuals for their efforts to protect children and support families across Northern Virginia. Held during Child Abuse Prevention Month, the 15th Annual

Allies in Prevention Awards also introduced SCAN's new Child Abuse Prevention Campaign, Parenting Can Be Tough, to the 150 child welfare advocates, elected officials and special guests in attendance. (Read more about the campaign on page 3.)

ABC7’s Scott Taylor joined us as emcee, and Dr. Christina Johns gave the keynote address. Delegate Tag Greason presented the awards to the honorees. Sponsors made the event possible by funding the campaign as well as tickets for honorees. Special thanks to AT&T, Inova, Martha Abbott, Blair Blake, Elm Street Development, Inc., Virginia Geoffrey & John Andelin, Robin Hamby , Leana Katz, Mary Kudless, Tim & Lecia Stock, Kay Tibbits, and Hon. George Varoutsos.

Heroes Honored in April

1 2

3 4

The 2017 Allies in Prevention award winners with SCAN's Executive Director Sonia Quiñónez include (L to R): representatives of 100 Women Strong from Loudoun; Betsy Young from Prince William; Theodore Jones & James Moore from Alexandria; and Nanette Bowler from Fairfax. Not pictured is Marcella Rustioni, LCSW, from Arlington. Laura Ragin (2nd from left) accepted on her behalf.

SPECIAL THANKS TO PSK CREATIVE FOR PHOTOGRAPHS OF CROQUET DAY.

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Update on the Alexandria/Arlington CASA Program:

Dear Friends,

Exciting things have been happening at the Alexandria/Arlington CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Program. Fifteen new volunteers completed our spring training and were sworn in to advocate for the best interest of the vulnerable children who have been exposed to abuse and/or neglect. These new advocates will join the 87 volunteers who provided a voice in court for 185 children this year, so far. These children are victims of neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse and exposure to domestic violence, substance abuse and the mental health issues of their parents. Some have simply been abandoned by their families.

CASA volunteers are assigned to only one family at a time so they can devote all their attention to the children in that family. In addition to visiting with the child regularly, our advocates have court-granted authority to inspect all files and interview all people involved in the child’s case so they can write a detailed court report based on their findings with their recommendations for the best interests of the child. Advocates are an open-minded and unbiased voice for the child in the court process. Equally as important, they are a consistent, caring person in that child’s life. Through their advocacy, our volunteers are a vital support to help get each child placed in a safe, stable, permanent home as quickly as possible.

I am constantly amazed by the dedication and determination of our volunteers. Our program continues to grow and our goal is to be able to serve every child that finds themselves the victim of abuse or neglect. We are grateful for every new volunteer, but we have a particular need for multicultural, multilingual and male advocates. If you think that you may be interested in becoming an advocate, please attend one of our monthly volunteer orientations to learn more.

I joined the SCAN/CASA family in May 2017 and am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to be part of this amazing organization. I wish to thank the staff, board members and volunteers who have welcomed me with open arms. My

family relocated to Virginia from New Jersey, where I spent seven years with CASA for the Children of Bergen County. It is a privilege to continue my work to provide every abused or neglected child a voice in court.

Amy WilkerCASA Program Manager

SAVE THE DATE FOR UPCOMING VOLUNTEER ORIENTATIONS:

Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at 7:00 PM

Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 12:30 PM

Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 6:30 PM

Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 12:30 PM

Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at 6:30 PM

Welcome New Volunteers!

After more than 35 hours of training, our newest class of CASA volunteers took their final step to become advocates and were sworn in on

June 6th by the Honorable Judge Damiani at the Alexandria Juvenile Court. Also in attendance were the Honorable Judge Frogale, Chief Justice of the Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, and the Honorable Judge Varoutsos, Chief Justice of the Arlington Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and the Honorable Allison Silberberg, Mayor of Alexandria. Each judge spoke of the value they place on the information provided in CASA reports and the importance of the work these new advocates are about to begin.

Our newest advocates range from 24 to 70 years of age. They have lived in 10 different countries and served in the military. They work full-time, part-time, or are retired. Among them they speak 9 languages.

Please help us welcome these newest advocates into the SCAN family of volunteers: Laura Byrne, Donald Fleury, Theresa Giasson, April Harding, Jacqueline Hargest, Mercedes Legrand, Allison Levy, Alissa Marchant, Karol Murray, Monty Navarro, Thereza Osias, Kaitlyn Reed, Leticia Torres, Stephanie Wiggins and Lulieta Zhilla.

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w w w . s c a n v a . o r g S p e a k U p f o r C h i l d r e n - S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 7 3

Update from the PublicEducation Program:

Dear Friends,Since beginning Operation Safe Babies 2 years ago, we have given over 700 cribs to parents in Northern Virginia who needed safe sleep environments for their newborns. These cribs and safe sleep information are given out through a dedicated network of public health nurses, home visitors, social workers, teachers, and other human service providers.

Operation Safe Babies has become a wonderful way to reach more families when they are beginning lifelong journeys with their new bundles of joy. We all want what is best for babies, and sharing this information along with all of the other parenting resources SCAN has makes a difference, especially at this stage in a parent's life. We are providing a reliable and easily accessible resource forparenting tips, thus evening the parenting playing field and giving all babies a chance at a life filled with love, support, and nurturing caregivers.

Tracy LeonardPublic Education Manager

This Spring, SCAN hosted a series of free film screenings and panel discussions about

the award-winning documentary RESILIENCE: The Biology of Stress and The Science of Hope. Held with partners in Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William, we engaged parents and professionals in discussions about what it means when a child is resilient, how trauma affects the brain and body, and what we can do as a community to use this research in our work with children and families.

Resilience Film Screenings Spark Dialogue, Connections

Have you heard?SCAN launched a new public education campaign! The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Kaiser Permanente, found that traumatic events such as abuse, neglect, and exposure to domestic violence experienced early in life frequently have destructive effects that can last into adulthood. It documented a powerful relationship between our emotional experiences as children and our physical and mental health as adults.

Healthcare providers present one of the most important, trusted relationships that parents and caregivers develop outside of the family. Through our Parenting Can Be Tough materials, we are working to partner with healthcare providers who share these materials to stimulate conversations with parents about adverse childhood experiences and teach key ways to build children’s resilience.

You can learn more about the campaign at: scanva.org/parentingcanbetough

Here are the top 5 things we learned:

• Attendees are committed to creating a common language around trauma informed care in our communities.

• Hundreds of viewers left with greater knowledge of childhood trauma and resilience.

• We need to have a greater appreciation of the connection between the physical body and mental health.

• Attendees appreciated the professional insight from the panelists and the value that the post-movie conversation added.

• It takes one caring adult to make a difference in the life of a child.

If you’d like to learn more about the movie and the possibility of future screenings, please contact SCAN’s Public Education Manager Tracy Leonard: tleonard@scanva.

Special thanks to the experts who participated in our RESILIENCE panels:

Diana BermudezAna Bonilla-GaldamezDr. Katherine DeyeMaria GenovaKendra KilbasaSteve LigaJudith MartensCarissa ShifflettRamona SimmonsKarin SpencerPat VictorsenLaurie Warhol

Parenting can be tough. Asking for help doesn’t have to be!

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Update from the Parent Education Program:

Dear Friends,The idea of standing in front of strangers and trying to connect with them can be overwhelming at first, but seeing the direct impact you can have on people soon outweighs that initial concern. SCAN has counted on many volunteers over the years to help make those very important connections with families. I have invited Katrina Taschman to write this issue’s Parent Education Program letter and share her experience as a first-time facilitator with SCAN to let you in on what you can give (and get out of ) being a facilitator: “I don’t know why I’m always so nervous before meeting a new group of kids,” I said to a co-facilitator the last time I was preparing for a new teen group. “That’s good," she said. "That means you really care.” She was right - I really care. And so do all the other SCAN facilitators who dedicate their time and energy to families that also care enough to try to improve themselves. There is something satisfying and energizing about seeing so many people working together towards the same cause.

In the parenting programs I have volunteered for, youth often start out nervously or begrudgingly, unsure of what to expect. They are usually surprised to find that the skills they learn are actually useful, and that they are able to have fun and connect with their parents during family activities.

I have found that the program helps teens feel heard and empowered, while instilling a sense of hope and confidence in parents. For a few hours a week, families have space to slow down and focus on one another amidst their busy, fast-paced lives. For a few hours a week, parents and youth practice shifting their behaviors to improve their relationships. And for those few hours, we get to witness little moments of bonding and growth.

At the last middle school Strengthening Families graduation, as we were thanking the parents for participating, one parent spontaneously stood up to thank us. She let us know how much she had gained from the program and the little differences she had already noticed in her family. She thanked us for dedicating our time, and for actually caring. It’s moments like these that make volunteering for SCAN worthwhile.

- KatrinaSo, what does it take to be a SCAN facilitator? As Katrina stated, a bit of caring, time, and commitment. We invite you to reach out to the Parent Ed team to learn more. No previous experience required. Just a bit of heart and time!

Marisol MoralesParent Education Manager

This spring, SCAN implemented the Strengthening Families Program at Mark Twain Middle School in Fairfax County. (This

is the fifth school where SCAN has facilitated the series!) Because the parents involved enjoyed learning and sharing with each other, during the last session, parents shared their contact information with one another in order to create their own support group to continue learning from one another and discussing the topics they had learned about in class. With the leadership of Twain’s parent liaison, the group has committed to meeting once a month.

Senator George Barker came to the last session of Strengthening Families at Key Middle School to congratulate families on completing the program and investing in their families’ futures. “I’ve seen him on YouTube; he’s famous!” exclaimed one of the middle school participants before requesting a photo. Thank you, Senator Barker, for valuing parent education and making time to spend with these families!

Strengthening Families Success!

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w w w . s c a n v a . o r g S p e a k U p f o r C h i l d r e n - S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 7 5

SCAN says thank you to our generous community:ACPS - FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CENTER, CASA CHIRILAGUA and SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION COALITION OF ALEXANDRIA (SAPCA) for partnering with SCAN to facilitate Parent Education in the city of Alexandria.

ARHA, COMMUNITY LODGINGS, CORA KELLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, HAMMOND MIDDLE SCHOOL, FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD ALEXANDRIA, KEY MIDDLE SCHOOL, POE MIDDLE SCHOOL, and TWAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL for hosting various parenting classes, support groups and workshops.

ARLINGTON COUNTY DHS for hosting parent education facilitator trainings and our June Allies in Prevention meeting.

AMF BOWLING, FLIGHT TRAMPOLINE PARK and NOVA PARKS for donating supplies and other incentives for children and families in the Parent Education Program.

Guest speakers at Parent Education events from BARRETT BRANCH LIBRARY, NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH, PEATC, VIRGINIA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION (VCE) and WELLS FARGO.

CAPCA CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION COALITION OF ALEXANDRIA, CPP CHILD PROTECTION PARTNERSHIP OF GREATER PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, and FCAPP FAIRFAX CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION PARTNERSHIP, for their collaboration in providing messaging, training and awareness during April and beyond.

Volunteer advocates who helped train new CASA volunteers this spring: PHYLLIS BAILEY, TASHIA BUNCH, JAN FOSTER, LINDA FRANZ, LATISHA HOOKS, JACKY JENKS, KATHRYN MARCANTAL, MICHAEL MITCHELL, BRUCE NEULING, and PALOMA SANTIAGO-ADORNO.

Local experts who helped train new CASA volunteers this spring: LYN GREENFIELD, ALEXANDRIA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAM; KAREN HAINER, HAINER PORRAS LLC; MEGHAN IAMS, ARLINGTON DHS; ANITA MARTINEAU, ALEXANDRIA DCHS; MELISSA THOMPSON, ARLINGTON DHS; and JAQUE TUCK, ARLINGTON DHS.

DELEGATE TAG GREASON and NBC4’S SCOTT TAYLOR for co-emceeing our 15th Annual Allies in Prevention Awards luncheon, and DR. CHRISTINA JOHNS for offering the Keynote Address.

CASA Volunteer JACKY JENKS for helping to coordinate volunteers and WELLS FARGO for lining up volunteers to help at SCAN’s 5th Annual Croquet Day.

KFORCE GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS, INC. (KGS) for donating new toys to the Parent Education Program.

PSK CREATIVE and ANDREA WILKEY for donating their talents to capture SCAN's 5th Annual Croquet Day in beautiful photographs.

SARA CAMPBELL boutique in Old Town Alexandria for hosting a Shopping Night for SCAN in April.

BURKE & HERBERT BANK (one of our Pinwheel Partners, see right) for hosting its annual coin drive to support SCAN's child abuse prevention programs. In addition to collecting coins during National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the bank matched the first $1,000 in donations resulting in more than $2,200 raised for SCAN. They also held a "Wear Blue Day" at local branches to show their support of prevention programs.

An Update from SCAN's CYP

This spring, SCAN's Council of Young Professionals (CYP) participated in Croquet Day by sponsoring teams, helping to plan the fundraiser and volunteering at the event. This July, Paul Davis (far right) will step down as president and Sarah Magee (not pictured) will assume the role.

Special thanks to our 2017 Pinwheel Partners who worked with SCAN during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April:

Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church

Alexandria City Public Schools

Arlington DHS

Burke & Herbert Bank

Calvary Hill Baptist Church

Cheesetique

Child Abuse Prevention Coalitionof Alexandria (CAPCA)

Fairfax CASA

Fairfax Child Abuse PreventionPartnership (FCAPP)

Fairfax DFS

Kinder Haus Toys

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

Northern VirginiaDoctors of Optometry

NVFS Serve Community Center

Palmer Care

Prince William DSS

Rockledge Elementary School

St. John Neumann Catholic Church

Swisher-Gómez Family

Tempo Restaurant

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G R A N T U P D AT E :Clark-Winchcole Foundation | $15,000

for SCAN Programs

Vicky Collins Charitable Foundation | $15,000 for CASA Program

Mason Hirst Foundation | $7,000 for SCAN Programs

I-395 Express Lanes Community Grant | $5,000 for SCAN Programs

Arlington County Bar Foundation | $2,500 for CASA Program

Alexandria Rotary Foundation | $2,000 for Parent Education and CASA Programs

Arlington Kiwanis Club | $2,000 for CASA Program

Alexandria Bar Foundation | $1,000 for CASA Program

Alexandria Kiwanis Club| $250 for SCAN Programs

Martha AbbottJohn Andelin and Virginia Geoffrey

Patrick and Kim AndersonSusan Anthony

Stan BargJim Barthmaier

Mia and Tim BassElizabeth Bennett

Blair BlakeJeff and Joyce Bliss

Darren and Caroline BroemmerDavid and Rixey Canfield

Joe and Sara CarlinKen Chadwick and Melanie Dunn-Chadwick

Ravi and Kiyomi ChandraClaire Cifaloglio and Rob Abbot

David ClearyWilliam and Bethanne CopleCynthia and John CulbertsonLaura and Chris Cummings

Valerie and Rubin CuffeePeter and Donna CuvielloJanelle and Michael Day

Christopher DevineKen and Melanie Dunn-Chadwick

Wayne EbenfeldTim and Jennifer GaleJane and Nate Green

Nancy HallKelly and Alan Harbitter

Joanne HarmanNick and Anna Harris

Tom Hay and Gail LedfordDennis Hensley

Thomson and Magaly HirstLouis Hofheimer

6 S p e a k U p f o r C h i l d r e n - S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 7 w w w . s c a n v a . o r g

Sean and April HostyJill Jermano and Steven Mielnicki

Francine and Steven KatzMarc and Leana Katz

Brooksie Koopman and Mark EatonMary and John KudlessGrace and Dave LawsonJack and Karen LeCuyerTracy and Matt Leonard

Candice Lopez and Jim GreifShirl Mammarella and Tom Tuck

Charles and Ysabel McAleerKevin Monroe

Lori and Nigel MorrisAndrew Mortenson

Paul Murtagh and Erin ClearyBryan and Elizabeth Palma

Jennifer PetersMary Phelps and Randy Taussig

Patrick and Ellen PinschmidtSonia and Jose QuiñónezMichele and Saurabh Raje

Jonathan ScanlonBarbara Schaufeld

Karen and Fredrick D SchaufeldFay and Jack Slotnick

Jennifer and Mark StricklandMichael and Patty TaeKay and John Tibbits

Christine and Nate TiptonBridget and John Weaver

George and Ashley WilsonKent and Mary Pat Woodman

Laura YagerRobert Yager

LaTEEKA TURNER has accepted a position at Sasha Bruce Youthwork after 2½ years of dedication to engaging and supporting the CASA Program.

AMY WILKER is SCAN's new CASA Program Manager. Amy has worked in the CASA Program in Bergen County, New Jersey for the last 5 years, before which she worked in Sales and Marketing for a major medical device manufacturer. She brings a strong knowledge of program policy, strategies for engaging volunteers, and the importance of cultivating community partners and stakeholders for the long-term. She and her husband recently moved to Ashburn and have two college-aged children (one of whom just graduated from William & Mary). Amy has impressed us with her keen assessment of human behavior and how that informs our work with clients, volunteers, and stakeholders. (Be sure to read her letter on page 2!)

ANA LUCIA LICO is stepping down from SCAN's Board of Directors after 6 meaningful years of service. We are grateful for her passionate work during that time and are thrilled that she will remain active on our SCAN Speakers Bureau!

TIM GALE is transitioning to our Honorary Board after 5 years of important work on the Board of Directors. Thank you, Tim, for your generosity!

CHRISTINE TIPTON is joining SCAN's Board after many years as a devoted CASA volunteer and supporter of SCAN. She was also a founding member of SCAN’s Council of Young Professionals.

P E O P L E O N T H E M O V E A T S C A N A N D B E Y O N D . . .

A Very Special Gift...Even as we mourn the passing of one of SCAN's supporters, we celebrate the integrity, humor and serenity with which he led his life and supported our cause. JACOB MILLINGTON kept the needs of vulnerable children at the forefront of every conversation. He volunteered with SCAN and supported SCAN financially through donations made by his small business, Serenity Accounting. Jacob also listed SCAN as one of two beneficiaries for his retirement funds. As SCAN inherits these IRA funds, matched by memorial donations from many of Jacob's friends and loved ones, these contributions will continue Jacob's legacy of support for SCAN's programs. Rest in peace, Jacob. May your compassion be a shining example for all of us.

Special thanks to current Circle of Hope members who have given gifts of $1,000+ this year:

Page 7: Speak Up For Children · 2017. 7. 20. · Speak Up for Children - SUMMER/FALL 2017 3 Update from the Public Education Program: Dear Friends, Since beginning Operation Safe Babies

SCAN OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

HONORARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rep. Don BeyerU.S. House of Representatives

Lisa Collis, Former First LadyCommonwealth of Virginia

Rep. Gerry ConnollyU.S. House of Representatives

Sen. Barbara FavolaVirginia State Senate

Tim GaleAMS Group

Leon HarrisNBC4

Brian Moran, Secretary of Public SafetyCommonwealth of Virginia

Rep. James Moran (Ret.)U.S. House of Representatives

Rep. Frank Wolf (Ret.)U.S. House of Representatives

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sean Hosty, MBA (President)

Joe Carlin, MS, MBA (Past President)

Laura Yager, MEd (Vice President)

Wayne S. Ebenfeld, MBA, MPA (Treasurer)

Candice Lopez (Secretary)

David Cleary, MS (Founder)

Martha G. Abbott

Ravi Chandra, BA

Valerie Cuffee, MSW

Donna Fleming Cuviello, MSA

Darryl Dove, MBA

Beth Palma

Jennifer Strickland

Gwena Kay Tibbits, JD

Christine Tipton

SCAN STAFF

Sonia Quiñónez - Executive Director

Sarah Bracken - Bookkeeping Assistant

Ann Caulkins - CASA Case Supervisor

Alice Clark - Parent Education Coordinator

Laurie J. Dodd, J.D. - CASA Case Supervisor

Samantha R. Hagenow - Development Associate

Tracy Leonard, MA - Public Education Manager

Marisol Morales - Parent Education Manager

Sally E. Richards - Director of Development

Daniela Richardson-Ferrera - CASA Case Supervisor

Sarah Self - Public Education Coordinator

Amy Wilker - CASA Program Manager

w w w . s c a n v a . o r g S p e a k U p f o r C h i l d r e n - S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 7 7

Circle of Hope Reception, InspirationSCAN hosted its annual Circle of Hope

event at The Athenaeum on May 19th to thank its donors for their unwavering

support of programs that prevent child abuse and neglect. Over 40 attended this intimate gathering, where donors who had reached their current Circle of Hope commitment received a gold star on their nametag. This small acknowledgement made a big impact! When one donor asked if he could get more stars if he donated more, SCAN staff was more than happy to accommodate this donor!

A highlight of the evening was hearing CASA volunteer Shelley DeButts speak so eloquently about what it takes to be a CASA volunteer and the rewards of helping just one child victim. We invited her to share a bit more here for readers like you to enjoy as well:

How long have you been a CASA volunteer?

SD: Apparently I have been a volunteer for 10 years. WOW!

How did you become a CASA volunteer?

SD: A friend whom I really respected said that being a CASA volunteer was one of the most rewarding things she'd ever done. I had never even heard of CASA but her admission certainly piqued my curiosity! When I moved to Alexandria ten years ago, I Googled CASA and soon found myself in a training class...

What is your favorite thing about being a CASA volunteer?

SD: Meeting all the various people involved in the case and figuring out how it's all going to be resolved. There is great satisfaction when a case is closed in that I know I have had a small role in protecting a child who cannot protect him/herself.

What has been hardest?

SD: I have had to recommend "adoption" which is heartbreaking since we almost always strive for "relative placement"; as a mother, the thought of terminating a parent's rights and putting a child up for adoption is painful.

What is your favorite CASA memory?

SD: It is so heartwarming when a judge references a CASA report. That’s when you feel like your work is meaningful and that your research and input are making a difference.

Circle of Hope Members Nancy Hall, Dave Cleary, Christine Tipton, Tim Gale and Sonia Quinonez.

CASA Volunteer Shelley DeButts.

David Sawczuk, Joanne Sawczuk, Chris Marzilli, Nancy Marzilli and SCAN Founder Dave Cleary.

Guest Bridget Weaver and Circle of Hope member Susan Anthony.

SPECIAL THANKS TO PSK CREATIVE FOR PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE CIRCLE OF HOPE EVENT.

Page 8: Speak Up For Children · 2017. 7. 20. · Speak Up for Children - SUMMER/FALL 2017 3 Update from the Public Education Program: Dear Friends, Since beginning Operation Safe Babies

NON-PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE

PAIDALEXANDRIA, VAPERMIT NO. 6041

SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) of Northern Virginia205 S. Whiting Street, Suite 205Alexandria, Virginia 22304

phone 703-820-9001 fax [email protected]

Visit us online at www.scanva.orgS C A N I S P R O U D T O B E A F F I L I A T E D W I T H :

SCAN of Northern Virginia’s

TOAST to HOPELighting �e way for children and families

OCTOBER 28, 2017

We're lighting the way for children and families! Learn more at www.scanva.org/toast