Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2024

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MDHHS and The Salvation Army seeking applications for
$17 million in Emergency Shelter Program funding

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) in partnership with The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division is seeking applications for $17 million in funding for its Emergency Shelter Program (ESP) to support emergency shelters and moteling.

The focus of this funding is to support the day-to-day operations of emergency shelters across the state of Michigan that serve the more than 30,000 people experiencing homelessness every year including single adults and families. To be eligible, applicant agencies must be a nonprofit organization, exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code or a federally recognized Michigan tribe or group of federally recognized Michigan tribes.

“Ensuring emergency shelters are able to provide a warm meal and safe place to sleep for the thousands of Michigan residents experiencing homelessness is a priority for the department,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “These vital community facilities also help support families as they move from a temporary shelter into stable housing as quickly as possible.”

The award period begins Oct. 1, 2024. Funding is available to existing and new ESP providers. Individual awards will be determined by application scoring and funding availability. Applications must be submitted electronically to usc.gld.espapplications.[email protected] by 11:59 p.m., Friday, May 31.

A webinar will be held at noon, Wednesday, May 8, to review the application process and to gather questions. Any questions concerning the content of this application must be sent via email to [email protected] by Friday, May 10. An FAQ will be issued following the webinar and will be available by emailing [email protected] .

For information or for links to the application, please email [email protected].

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2024

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

Pam Posthumus Signature Auction to raise
critical funds for child abuse prevention
22^nd annual event set for May 14 at MSU’s Breslin Center

LANSING, Mich. – Every Michigan child deserves to live in a safe and nurturing environment. To help make that vision a reality, Children Trust Michigan (CTM) today announced its 22^nd Annual Pam Posthumus Signature Auction, Tuesday, May 14, to raise critical funds for child abuse awareness and prevention initiatives across the state.

“Child abuse remains a pressing issue affecting countless families in Michigan,” said Suzanne Greenberg, CTM executive director. “The auction serves as a beacon of hope, channeling resources toward vital initiatives that protect our children and create safer communities.”

Supporters, advocates and community members will gather at the Breslin Center on the campus of Michigan State University to participate in this impactful event. With the theme “The Heart of the Matter,” the annual event kicks off at 5 p.m., showcasing a dynamic live auction as well as hundreds of silent auction items. Supporters can bid on once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunities, Michigan-made products and other distinctive experiences. The silent auction opens Tuesday, May 7, for early bidding.

The auction is in memory of Pam Posthumus, a tireless advocate for preventing child abuse who served as a past board chairperson of Children Trust Michigan and started the first signature auction event. She died Aug. 18, 2010, and the annual auction was renamed the Pam Posthumus Signature Auction Event in 2011.

This year, CTM looks to generate funds for life-enhancing initiatives including family resource centers across Michigan, parent support and education. A nonprofit housed within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), CTM serves as an unwavering voice for Michigan’s children and families.

“Children Trust Michigan exists solely to protect and enhance the health, safety and welfare of Michigan’s children and families. The Signature Auction is at the heart of our annual fundraising efforts, raising essential funds for community-based resources,” said Greenberg.

In addition to the renowned auction, the event honors CTM’s 2024 Champion for Children. This year, Dr. N. Debra Simms will receive recognition for her notable career as a child abuse pediatrician. Her contributions extend beyond medical practice as she actively seeks innovative solutions to protect children from abuse, making her a true champion for children.

The honorary co-chairs for the 2024 auction are Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director, and Jason Griffin, vice president of state government relations, Hemlock Semiconductor, LLC. Joining them are Legislative Co-Chairs Senator Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, House Speaker Joe Tate, Senate Republic Leader Aric Nesbitt, House Republican Leader Matt Hall and House Republican Floor Leader Bryan Posthumus, son of the auction’s namesake.

For sponsor and ticket information, visit childrentrustmichigan.org/event-details.

Find out more about CTM’s child abuse awareness and prevention program as well as local resources at ChildrenTrustMichigan.org.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2024

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

Rally, pinwheels bring awareness to child abuse prevention
Children Trust Michigan holds 16^th annual event at State Capitol

LANSING, Mich. – Spinning blue and silver pinwheels marked the path to the State Capitol today as Children Trust Michigan held the 16^th annual Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day Rally.

About 250 people attended, planting the pinwheels in the ground following a ceremony where speakers talked about how communities around Michigan can prevent child abuse. The pinwheel is the national symbol for child abuse and neglect prevention.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Children Trust Michigan, housed within MDHHS, was established by the Michigan Legislature in 1982.  It serves as a voice for Michigan’s children and families and promotes their health, safety and welfare by funding effective local programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect.

Suzanne Greenberg, executive director of Children Trust Michigan, served as emcee for the rally.

“Every day, our Children Trust Michigan team works in partnership with our more than 100 prevention partners so we can prevent child abuse and neglect in Michigan by strengthening families,” said Greenburg. “We support primary and secondary prevention programs as well as Family Resource Centers serving all 83 counties. We believe in the power of prevention, and we know our programs are truly making a difference, keeping families together and giving children the best possible chance to live in a safe, happy and healthy environment.”

Participants at the 16^th annual Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day Rally plant pinwheels, the national symbol for child abuse and neglect prevention.

Other event speakers included Earl Major, Children Trust Michigan board member, Sen. Aric Nesbitt, Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet and Duane Breijak, executive director of the National Association of Social Workers.

Children Trust Michigan also honored the 2024 winner of the Inspire Award – Shana Dancer, a volunteer at the Gratiot Child Advocacy Association.

Danni Franzoni of Child & Family Services of Northeast Michigan,  Ian Agee of InvolvedDad, Inc. and Julie Hunter of Gratiot County Child Advocacy Association shared parent stories.

For information on Children Trust Michigan and Child Abuse Prevention Month, visit childrentrustmichigan.org.

Today’s rally is one of two major Children’s Trust Fund events in April and May.

The annual Pam Posthumus Signature Auction Event is Tuesday, May 14 at 5 p.m. at the Breslin Center on Michigan State University’s campus in East Lansing to raise money to support child abuse prevention programming. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation to support the Children Trust Michigan, visit childrentrustmichigan.org.

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About Children Trust Michigan Created by the Michigan Legislature in 1982, Children Trust Michigan is Michigan’s only statewide nonprofit organization solely dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Children Trust Michigan serves as a voice for Michigan’s children and families and promotes their health, safety and welfare by funding effective local programs and services in all 83 Michigan counties that prevent child abuse and neglect.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2024

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

Children Trust Michigan raises awareness
of Child Abuse Prevention Month
Activities, events around the state lead up to April 23 gathering at the Capitol 

LANSING, Mich. — Children Trust Michigan is recognizing the importance of preventing child abuse and neglect with a month of activities that will culminate with a special ceremony at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 23, at the State Capitol.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Activities and initiatives planned throughout the month will center on the symbolic blue-and-silver pinwheel of Prevent Child Abuse America, which serves as a visual representation that everyone plays a role in providing children with a bright future. Participants have been asked to share information on social media, using the hashtags #CAPMonth2024, #MIWearsBlue and #StrengtheningFamilies.

Children Trust Michigan, housed within MDHHS, was established by the Michigan Legislature in 1982.  It serves as a voice for Michigan’s children and families and promotes their health, safety and welfare by funding effective local programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect.

“Our department is devoted to improving the safety and well-being of Michigan children, as outlined in our Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We are working with lawmakers, police, judges and other child welfare system leaders to do everything in our power to make Michigan the safest place in America to raise kids and nurture families.”

“Child abuse prevention is a community responsibility and Michigan is committed to ensuring all children grow up safe, healthy, educated and prepared to reach their full potential,” said Suzanne Greenberg, executive director of Children Trust Michigan. “The blue and silver pinwheels displayed in April, and throughout the year, symbolize the health and happiness all children deserve. We encourage everyone across the state to help raise awareness this month about the impact child abuse and neglect has and to help us create more stable environments and brighter futures for all children.”

Child Abuse Prevention Month culminates with the 16th annual Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day rally on the steps of the State Capitol Tuesday, April 23. Featured speakers this year include Earl Major, Children Trust Michigan board member, Sen. Aric Nesbitt, Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet and Fatima Salman, president of the National Association of Social Workers.

Featured programs include Child & Family Services of Northeast Michigan, InvolvedDad, Inc. and Gratiot County Child Advocacy Association. Parent stories will be shared by Ian Agee, Danni Franzoni and Julie Hunter. For information on Children Trust Michigan and Child Abuse Prevention Month, visit childrentrustmichigan.org.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2024

CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MDHHS, MDARD remind Michiganders about risks of consuming raw (unpasteurized) milk and milk products

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) are reminding residents of the risks associated with consuming raw (unpasteurized) milk amid the current Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak affecting dairy cow herds. This virus has the potential to spread to humans, with one case reported this year in Texas.

“Anyone can get sick from drinking raw milk, but children under age 5, adults over age 65 and those with weakened immune systems are more at risk for getting sick,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Now that HPAI is infecting both cows and birds, it’s important to make sure that you are consuming food that is safe, including ensuring that the milk products you eat or drink are pasteurized.”

Pasteurized milk is extremely safe and has undergone a heating process which kills disease-causing germs like Campylobacter, E. coli and Salmonella. People who consume raw (or unpasteurized) milk, cheeses and other dairy products like ice cream created from raw milk are at risk for a variety of illnesses. Only pasteurized milk is sold in stores and provided to children in school lunches.

People can get ill from the same source and product of raw milk they drank previously – milk that someone consumes from the same farm over a duration of time may not always be safe. Raw milk can get contaminated in many ways. While good safety practices can reduce the chance of germs getting in raw milk, they cannot eliminate risk.

The Food and Drug Administration does not currently have concerns about the safety or availability of pasteurized milk products nationwide. Pasteurization has continually proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza viruses, in milk and is required for any milk entering interstate commerce.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking the following steps to reduce risk:

• Choose pasteurized milk and dairy products.
• Refrigerate milk, dairy products and other perishable food at 40⁰F or colder.
• Throw away expired food, including milk and dairy products.

For more information, visit CDC.gov/foodsafety/rawmilk.