THE CHILDREN'S VOICE
 
November 2017 
Giving isn't just about making a donation.
It's about a making a difference. 
Filling Philanthropy's Stocking
As we approach the end of the year, our thoughts turn to giving. We give to our family and friends. We give to our houses of worship. We give to the groups who serve our community. We plan our giving. We anticipate our giving. We smile, almost giddy with the joy that our giving returns to us.

Is that joy our motivation? Yes, but it comes from something deeper. We give because we remember that we are all in this together, that we really do love one another after all.

We are moved by philanthropy: literally, the love of humanity.   From the pleasure of a token of affection, to the satisfaction of providing charity for immediate needs, w e manifest our love for each other and for our community by making sacrifices for each other's welfare.

One of my favorite holiday movies,  The Bishop's Wife,  tells a fable of philanthropy. Cary Grant is an angel sent to help David Niven, a bishop who has become distracted from his real mission of love by the pursuit of money, to build a great cathedral. At the end, Niven remembers that he cares, but he does not remember the angel's help because his philanthropy was never really lost - it was inside him all the time.    Read More
 Larry Dagenhart: Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year! 
Congratulations to our good friend, volunteer and long-time CFCR supporter, Larry Dagenhart on being recently honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).  In sharing a few thoughts, Bob SImmons speaks for all of us in expressing our gratitude for Larry's many contributions. 

We share a community where the stocking of philanthropy, especially for children, is never left empty. Ours is a generous community where most folks put in at least their share of the shining gifts that, to quote The Bishop's Wife, make peace on earth: "loving kindness, warm hearts, and a stretched out hand of tolerance."

As we remember our human connection at this time of year, we also honor our neighbors who demonstrate their love for others in the fullest measure and in the most noteworthy ways. Larry Dagenhart is one of those people, honored as the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser by the AFP Charlotte Chapter at their  2017 National Philanthropy Day Luncheon on November 15 .

It is an honor long-overdue for a man who has dedicated his life to loving humanity and making our community a better place for us all - a man who has never been distracted from that mission by the demands of making a living and never forgotten to stop and take the time to help his neighbors. How can you tell he is that man? His first reaction to being honored is to name all the people more deserving, to say he had lots of help, to turn the focus to the people who need our help. Why? Because he can. Because his warm heart is full of loving kindness and his hand is always stretched out in tolerance.    READ MORE
#GIVEGOOD THIS HOLIDAY -- #GIVINGTUESDAYCLT

CHILDREN IN OUR COMMUNITY NEED YOUR HELP
  • 1 in 5 children in Mecklenburg County live in poverty. Despite an overall decline in child poverty, children remain the poorest age group in the nation.
  • NC ranks 31st in the country with 65.7% of NC youth with major depression not receiving any mental health treatment. The national average is 64.1%!
  • 60% of youth who spend time in pre-trial detention don't return to school or drop out within 5 mos.
Giving Tuesday, coming up on Nov. 28, is a global day dedicated to giving. In Charlotte we're celebrating #GivingTuesdayCLT  with more than 230 other local nonprofits.  All contributions between now and November 28 will count toward our Giving Tuesday goal. 

YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO COUNCIL FOR CHILDREN'S RIGHTS WILL
  • help a child with spec education needs gain access to appropriate classroom experiences,
  • help ensure a troubled child has access to legal representation and better future,
  • help a child with mental health challenges receive the treatment they need,
  • give a voice to a child caught in a contentious custody battle.
#GivingTuesdayCLT is about ordinary people coming together doing extraordinary things. This is your opportunity to make a difference however you can - and we hope you'll join us!
There are many worthy causes in our community. We are honored when you choose to support the Council and proud to count you as part of our Community of Advocates. Thank you for helping us put children first.    
Why It Matters - Sarah's Story
Six year old Sarah* used to toss and turn at night listening to her parents fight.  The yelling frightened her, but after Daddy left one day, the silence was worse.  

Sarah didn't understand why he was gone.   She blamed herself.  What had she done wrong?  She begged her mother to make him come back.  But he never did. 

Things got worse.  Mom struggled to make ends meet.  They had to move, which meant changing schools and saying good-bye to teachers and all her friends.  Her grades suffered and she began acting out.  Sarah felt lost and alone in the midst of all this change and stress.  

Because of you, Sarah isn't alone.  Our Custody Advocacy Team is right there, making sure that Sarah, and kids just like her, have someone looking out for their best interest.  Our team of advocates and attorneys fight for her needs and help families and the court sort through the discord to get to a recommendation that is right for Sarah first and foremost.  

Because of you, the Custody Advocacy Program is rescuing childhoods for kids like Sarah every day.  We are counting on you because kids like Sarah are counting on Council for Children's Rights.  Thank you.

*Names, photos, and other details have been altered to protect the identity of the children we represent. 
Child Abuse Hotline Has a New Number
The State of North Carolina mandates a dedicated hotline for the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect. Over time, the current CARE line has migrated from its original purpose to meeting various other needs in the community. Too many calls not related to child abuse and neglect were overwhelming the system.

On Monday, November 13, Child Protective Services (CPS) launched its new reporting HELP line (980-31-HELPS).  It is hoped that this new line will provide better call flow, increase capacity , and ensure callers are quickly connected with CPS to report allegations of child abuse, neglect, or human trafficking. 

Questions?  Check out these Frequently Asked Questions  about the new hotline along with some guidelines on who to call for other kinds of information
 
Recent Events
Pro Bono Awards - Photo Gallery Now Online

More than 250 attorneys, judges, advocates, and community members gathered at the Mint Museum Uptown in October to honor outstanding volunteer contributions at the 2017 Pro Bono Awards.   It was a great evening of inspiration and fellowship.  Click here to see more pictures from the event.  Thank you to all who give back to our community! 
Partnering to Promote "Resilience" 
We were honored to partner with others in the community to host a screening of the award-winning documentary film " Resilience" in November.  Representatives from critical sectors of our community (health, education, faith, philanthropy) were invited to view the film which explores the biological syndrome known as ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) that result in toxic stress and long-term adverse health issues for children. Working together, we will find solutions and change children's lives! Thanks to the Winer Family Foundation and UNC-Charlotte's College of Health and Human Services for sponsoring the film! 
 
Upcoming Events
First Wednesdays Workshop -- December 6
School Discipline for Children with Disabilities 
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Training Room 1 - Children & Family Services Center
Suspensions from school impede your child's learning and overall academic achievement, and often are related to your child's disability.  This workshop will help you understand the laws protecting children with disabilities and how to better advocate for your child's emotional and behavioral needs.  Read More

 Presenting Sponsor 

For more information on this event: 
 

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving.
Travel safely! 



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