Young people have powerful voices, and when given the opportunity, they can create meaningful change in their communities. This year, Team IM SAFE CAC proved just that.

At United Way's PITCH-ER THIS! Youth Venture Competition, the IM SAFE CAC Youth Advocacy Council (YAC) took center stage, pitching for funding of their project, “What I Was Wearing”. Their thoughtful presentation earned them first place, a $5,000 grant to bring their vision to life, and the traveling trophy.

The winning team included Ava Bowen (10th grade), Rain Pinnow (11th grade), Carleigh Thompson (12th grade), and Makenzie Rockafellow (12th grade) from Ionia High School and Central Montcalm High School. Together, they identified an important issue affecting communities everywhere and developed a project designed to educate, challenge misconceptions, and encourage compassion.

Their project, the What I Was Wearing exhibit, addresses the realities of sexual and physical assault through the stories and clothing of individuals who have experienced abuse. The exhibit serves as a powerful reminder that assault can happen to anyone, regardless of what they were wearing, where they were, or what time of day it occurred. By confronting harmful stereotypes and victim-blaming attitudes, the exhibit encourages understanding, empathy, and awareness.

Beyond raising awareness about sexual and physical assault, the project also educates community members about the services available through IM SAFE CAC and the support they provide to children and families in Ionia and Montcalm counties.

The exhibit made its debut on March 13 at Central Montcalm High School's Art Fair, providing students, staff, and community members with an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about prevention, support, and advocacy. Since then, the exhibit has traveled to additional schools throughout the community, reaching even more students and families. With plans for many more exhibits in the future, Team IM SAFE CAC hopes to continue expanding awareness and encouraging conversations that lead to understanding and change.

The IM SAFE CAC YAC is made up of young people who are committed to being a voice for local youth and making a positive impact in their communities. Through leadership, service, and advocacy, these students demonstrate that age is no barrier to creating change.

The mission of the Ionia Montcalm Secure and Friendly Environment Child Advocacy Center (IM SAFE CAC) is to protect children from abuse by providing prevention through education and coordinating multidisciplinary investigations, assessment, and treatment of child abuse in an environment that is child-sensitive, supportive, and safe. IM SAFE CAC serves children ages 2 to 17 who have experienced sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, human trafficking, exploitation over the internet, and other forms of victimization.

The passion, courage, and leadership demonstrated by this group of students are inspiring examples of what happens when young people are empowered to identify needs, share their ideas, and take action. To learn more about IM SAFE CAC and the services they provide, visit www.imsafecac.org.