Knowing about Available Resources is a Protective Factor!
We want to take a moment and share the new Family Resource Guide put together by The Great Start Collaborative!
This is a great resource guide for our Emmet, Charlevoix and Antrim County Region!
Knowing resources when or before there is a need is helpful for us all!
Click the link below and check it out!
Our Board Spotlight: Kate Essenberg
Kate Essenberg considers it a privilege to have called Northern Michigan home for most of her life. She has held a variety of roles professionally, all of which have provided her with the opportunity to work with families and children. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education from Central Michigan University and is a National Alliance Certified Trainer of “Bringing the Protective Factors Framework to Life in Your Work.” Kate currently serves as Coordinator for Central Lake Early Opportunities (CLEO), a network of partners that offer programs and resources for children ages 0-8 and their families in the community of Central Lake.
Kate shares "As a newish empty nester, my partner and I have instituted long evening walks which have become a highlight of my days. I also cherish visits with my kids and enjoy listening to podcasts, reading memoirs, running, and going on hikes with friends."
Fun fact about Kate: "I love naps! The pace of life means that most of my naps are of the power variety and I’m pretty proud of the fact I can fall asleep in seconds and wake up, ready for the next part of my day, in about 15 minutes. "
Kate shares this Protective Factor Feature:
The Strengthening Families Framework, which highlights 5 Protective Factors that support optimal child development and thriving families, offers guidance for anyone seeking to build a strong support system. A few years ago, not long after the death of a family member, I read a piece written by someone at the Children’s Trust Fund Alliance titled something like, “The Protective Factors Are for Everyone.” The author shared her experience of walking alongside her parents as they were dying and how each of the Protective Factors supported her. Right away I thought, “I could have written that!” I considered how each protective factor supported me during that season:
Social and Emotional Competence: I leaned into resources that helped me identify and navigate how I was experiencing a range of emotions centered around grief.
Concrete Support: There were community resources that provided needed services.
Knowledge: I relied on folks with expertise that I do not possess to offer guidance.
Social Connections: Family and friends provided comfort and many hours of generous listening as I verbally processed.
Resilience: I learned new things about myself and what helps me navigate stress and grief.
For families with children or expecting a baby, there are many resources in this area to support you as you build your own protective factors! If you are in the Central Lake area, please check out what is offered through Central Lake Early Opportunities. The C.A.P.E. Council and Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition offer many opportunities throughout the area.
We are grateful Kate is in our community and a CAPE board member!
OUR STORYThe Child Abuse Prevention & Education Council of Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet Counties was founded in 1982 with the original name the Northwest Michigan Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect or NWMCPCAN. The name officially changed in 2001 to the Child Abuse Council of Charlevoix and Emmet Counties and again in 2016 to include Prevention and Education. In 2023 we updated our name to include Antrim County. What has remained consistent through our existence is the Council’s commitment and dedication to our mission of prevention of child abuse and neglect through increased public awareness and education. The CAPE Council is a Children’s Trust Michigan Designated Council. The Children’s Michigan (CTM) is a statewide, non-profit organization also dedicated to the prevention of abuse and neglect. The CTM works in partnership with the local councils that serve Michigan’s 83 counties. Local councils are independent, community-based organizations that identify needs and facilitate collaborative prevention programs for children and families in their communities. In addition to CTM, funding from our donors, businesses, community foundations, churches, and service organizations help the Child Abuse Council to provide thousands of pieces of parenting, prevention, reporting, and child development materials for distribution throughout our two-county area. |
Executive CommitteeMr. Tory Thrush, Board Chair CharEm ISD Mr. Jim Rummer, Vice Chair CharEm ISD Trooper Corey Hebner, Secretary Michigan State Police Ms. Lisa Spang, Treasurer Charlevoix State Bank | BOARD OF DIRECTORSMs. Christine Carpenter, Health Dept. NW Michigan Ms. Jen Duch, MDHHS Ms. Katelyn Nellis, Health Dept. NW Michigan Ms. Elise Holland, North Country CMH Mr. Jim Linderman, Emmet County Prosecutor Ms. Emily Grindle Emmet County Probate Court Ms. Jane Poquette, McLaren Northern Michigan Ms. Savanah Cool, Great Start Collaborative Ms. Jen Rashleigh-Houser, Charlevoix County Prosecuting Attorney's Office Mr. Tim Smith, Charlevoix County Probate Court Mr. Brandon Chojnacki, LTTB of Odawa Indians Ms. Sarah Holzschu, Women's Resource Center Kate Essenberg, CLEO Partnership of Central Lake |