As we recognize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I find myself reflecting on the values that guided his life’s work: dignity, justice and the inherent worth of every person. These principles are not only central to Dr. King’s legacy; they are at the heart of our vision as a Child Advocacy Center. Our vision of a community where every child can thrive in safety and well‑being is, in many ways, a continuation of the pursuit of equity and human rights that Dr. King championed. 

Earlier this month, CAC CEO Melanie Pignotti wrote about the hidden risks for kids at holiday gatherings. As a follow-up to that column, CAC's Mental Health Services team created a list of potential flags that might alert adults if a child is being harmed or is at risk of being harmed. Whether it's things you notice because you don't normally see the child and something just seems off or it's because you know the child well and something just seems off, this list can help you

The Monthly Mindset Column - December 2025 By Melanie Pignotti, LCPC, CAC Chief Executive Officer The holidays are a season of laughter, connection and family traditions. Homes fill with warmth, tables overflow with food and children run from room to room soaking up the magic. But amid the joy, there is a reality we cannot ignore; holiday gatherings can create opportunities for sexual abuse by situational offenders.    Situational sexual offenders are individuals who may not

Before I became CEO, I spent years in direct service, working with children and families impacted by trauma. I’ve felt the slow erosion of compassion fatigue. I’ve carried the invisible weight of secondary trauma. And I’ve learned, through experience and reflection, that helping professionals need help, too.  That’s why CAC’s annual Symposium isn’t just another event; it’s a cornerstone of our mission. It’s a space created intentionally for those who show up every da