Small Talk Children's Advocacy Center

Small Talk is a Children's Advocacy Center. We work to address and prevent child abuse in Ingham and Eaton counties in Mid-Michigan. We envision a world where children are safe from sexual and physical abuse. As we work towards that vision, we strive to provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where children and their non-offending caregivers receive coordinated services and advocacy during and after abuse investigations.

We have four main goal areas: Expand Who We Serve, Expand How We Serve, Serve More Efficiently, Ensure Financial Stability.

In 2021, we will implement new therapies and programs, building on the trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy that our counselors practice.

We will engage in public education to dispel myths and combat stigma about abuse with the community, focusing on three broad demographics: males, rural communities, and law enforcement.

We will ensure our organization's sustainability and financial security by refreshing our donor stewardship model and building relationships with foundations.

Finally, we are aware of the systemic issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in children's advocacy work. Our staff has committed to on-going training with local professionals who can help us make the shift towards equity in our sector.

Small Talk is a well-respected, if less well-known, non-profit with a decade of experience in the Children's Advocacy Center model. Founded by local law enforcement professionals with expertise in prosecution and the rights of children, Small Talk has grown into a team of ten people including one Executive Director, four crisis counselors, a business administrator, a family advocate, two forensic interviewers, and a development director.

In addition to professional expertise, our Board of Directors includes caring and influential people from a variety of local and state-wide businesses. Our board maintains 100% giving and volunteerism. We have built positive relationships that we rely on to get this work done.

Small Talk has grown from a single crisis counselor in a donated space to a team of 10 professionals working to address and prevent child abuse in a child-friendly facility where hope, healing, and justice are possible.

What is left:

We are working to combine our programming and outreach strategies so that we are (for example) not only delivering a training, we are inviting community conversation and participation in our movement.
We want to establish a youth advisory council so that children can have a say in our service model.
We want to fill gaps in service with new programs and strengthen our partnerships so families can more easily access existing resources.
We want to ensure financial stability as we accomplish our goals.