Small Talk Children's Advocacy Center
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has declared child sexual abuse a major public health problem. Experts estimate that 1 in 10 children will experience sexual abuse. The short-term impacts range from depression and self-harm to poor performance at school, health and behavioral problems, and emotional disturbances. And when not addressed survivors are more likely to endure severe, negative outcomes including heart and liver disease, problems with sleeping, sex, and relationships, and even suicide. The estimated economic cost of treating survivors of child sexual abuse is estimated at over $9.3 billion in the United States. Small Talk is leads our community in addressing and preventing the child sexual abuse. In the Children's Advocacy Center model, families receive coordinated services during and after child abuse investigations. We listen to children and work with a team of professionals to ensure each child has the opportunity to seek hope, healing, and justice.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Small Talk Children's Advocacy Center
Small Talk started with the dream that we could make a difference in the life of just one child by providing a safe place for healing. A simple concept, but a tremendous responsibility. Alex Brace began as our organization's first employee and now leads it today as our Executive Director. Alex and the dedicated staff are committed to guiding children through the worst possible trauma and giving them an opportunity to heal. We have stood together; founder, staff, board, professionals and community partners and watched the dream of Small Talk become a reality. Just five years later, we have grown our dream into a state of the art center leading the community in addressing child abuse and empowering children to have the courage to heal.
We ask you to raise your hand today and join us in our commitment to these brave children.
"I'm glad I told, because I'm here." -A Child in counseling at Small Talk.
Where we work
External reviews

Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
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.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
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.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
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.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
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.
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Small Talk Children's Advocacy Center
Board of directorsas of 02/22/2022
Annie Harrison
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
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Gender identity
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Sexual orientation
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Disability
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