Who We Are

The Child Advocacy Network of Monroe County exists as a chartered local coalition of the Michigan Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse and a designated council of the Children's Trust Fund. The mission of CAN is to promote community awareness through programs, initiatives and general education, concerning the physical, social, and emotional well being of children and families in Monroe County.​

CAN Council Board of Directors

Officers
  • Debbie Gambino – Department of Health and Human Services/CAN President
  • Stephanie Carlton – Court Appointed Special Advocates/CAN Vice President
  • Amy Zarend – Great Start Collaborative/CAN Secretary
  • Sheri Laboe – Monroe County Community Credit Union/CAN Treasurer
  • Craig Haugen – Jefferson Schools/CAN Past President

Board Members
  • Wendy Klinski – Catholic Charities
  • Krystal Rose – Jefferson Schools/Sodt Elem.
  • Kim VanDevelde – Monroe Public Schools
  • Mike Smith – AFL-CIO/United Way
  • Frank Arnold – Probate Court Judge
  • ​Connie Carroll – United Way
  • Susan Revels – Community Mental Health​

What We Do

CAN provides important information, support and coordinate the efforts of a team of professionals consisting of: law enforcement, prosecutors, child protective service workers, medical professionals, mental health professionals, schools, and victim advocates.

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  • Assists in coordinating prevention and treatment programs
  • Provides speakers to community organizations at no charge
  • Provides information about legislation affecting children and families
  • Holds monthly meetings where concerned citizens are welcome
  • Sponsors the annual “Celebrate Children!” Festival
  • Sponsor of “Pinwheels for Prevention” campaign
  • Established and developed the local Child Advocacy Center
  • A sponsor of the BabyNet Project Sponsor of the annual Making Connections

Resources

CAN Action Agenda    |    CAN Bylaws (rev. 01/2015)    |    CAN Strategic Plan 2016

Our Team

Our team provides leadership in the fight against child abuse. We work side-by-side with child advocacy organizations throughout the county.