CAN Council

06/03/2026

https://www.cancouncil.org/casa

06/02/2026

"We are working to build communities where we shift the focus from 'what's wrong' to 'what's strong,' and building on that." — Crystal Charbonneau, Prevention Education Coordinator, CAN Council

We're so proud of Crystal for being featured in The Nation's Health, the journal of the American Public Health Association! This article explores how public health programs are helping communities heal from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) — and the power of positive experiences to change health outcomes. Crystal's work here in our community is a perfect example of that shift in action.

Read the full article at the link below:

Jada Imani's childhood was marked by a parental split, an angry and unpredictable father who struggled with substance use, and multiple family moves that uprooted her life.

06/01/2026

Every child deserves someone who shows up for them. Be that person.

https://www.cancouncil.org/casa

06/01/2026

Good CASAs aren't perfect. They're present. They're patient. They show up — even when it's hard, even when progress is slow, even when no one's watching.

We're looking for 26 people to become CASA volunteers before the end of 2026. Not experts. Not lawyers. Just consistent, caring adults who are willing to show up for a child who needs them.

Could that be you? https://www.cancouncil.org/casa

05/30/2026

The Rolling Family Resource Center will be on-site 11am - 2pm at the Elkton Lions Club Kids Day helping families get ready for summer!

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Elkton Lions Kids Day... join us for a day of family fun.... Everyone welcome!

05/26/2026

June training is now open!

CASA volunteers are trained community members appointed by a judge to speak up for children in foster care. No law degree required. Just a genuine commitment to showing up for a child who needs you.💙

Training kicks off June 23 for Bay and Saginaw County residents and June 25 for Huron County. Scan the QR code to apply or visit cancouncil.org/casa. Questions? Reach out to Caitlin Stone Webber at [email protected].

05/21/2026

Earlier this week we had the privilege of presenting to the Saginaw County League of Catholic Women about all our programs and how they can get involved in our work to protect children and support families. Thank you so much, ladies, for taking the time to hear our mission, for your generous monetary donation, and for donating personal hygiene products, which will go directly into care kits for children and families in our community! 💙

Interested in having us present to your organization? We'd love to connect! E-mail Ryan Landrey at [email protected]

05/20/2026

A heartfelt thank you to the Russell H. and Maxine E. Smith Foundation for making a meaningful difference at the Nathan Weidner Children's Advocacy Center in Bay City.

Thanks to their generous support, CAN Council recently completed a soundproofing project at the center — installing panels in the Family Room, Hallway, MDT Room, and Interview Room. This upgrade ensures that every child who walks through our doors receives the privacy, dignity, and respect they deserve during forensic interviews.

Since opening in April 2025, the Bay CAC has served 177 Bay County children. None of that work happens without community partners who believe in it.

Thank you, Russell H. and Maxine E. Smith Foundation. 💙

05/18/2026

You've still got time! RSVP by May 20 to join us for Parent Cafe — a free conversation and education series for parents and caregivers, running Thursdays May 21–June 11 at New Covenant Christian Center in Saginaw. Lunch provided at every session.

We'd love to see you there! https://bit.ly/CANCouncilParentCafe

05/18/2026

Thank you to Juan De La Cruz from The Bear Traxs for creating the beautiful tote bags for our Blue Box Project. They were the perfect size for our products and a great reusable option for families to utilize in the future.