Raising Voices for Prevention
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month — a time dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse and neglect, and the powerful role communities play in prevention. On April 15, 2025, Jody Snyder, Community Impact Coordinator at United Way of Greater Central Michigan and a representative of We Care for Kids, stood on the steps of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing to honor that mission.
She was among dozens of advocates, educators, and families gathered for the Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day Rally. Jody’s message stood out — deeply personal, and profoundly moving. She shared the story of her young daughter, who, after participating in a school-based lesson on safe touch, found the courage to speak up and advocate for her own safety. That moment of bravery, Jody explained, was made possible by prevention education — the kind of programming United Way supports every day across mid-Michigan.
The rally served as a powerful reminder that prevention works — and that behind every effort is a child, a family, and a future worth protecting. It also underscored how strong community partnerships make lasting impact possible. United Way of Greater Central Michigan is proud to stand with Children Trust Michigan and other dedicated partners this April and beyond, committed to building safer, stronger communities for every child. Because when we invest in prevention, we’re not just protecting children — we’re empowering them.
