Home at Last

Spring Newsletter 2013
Spring/Summer Newsletter 2013
Philadelphia Children’s Alliance
Home at Last
As the headline implies, there is a great deal of excitement at PCA as we draw close to moving day and our long‐awaited co‐
loca on at 300 East Hun ng Park Avenue. It has been a long road “home” and some‐
mes we weren’t sure we would get there. But, we are there! It isn’t essen al to be co‐located to meet the na onal accredita on standards for children’s advocacy centers. Based on the collabora ve response to child sexual abuse that we were able to achieve even with all partner agencies residing apart, we’ve been accredited since 1999. That said, however, it has always been a li le more difficult than it should have been. Sort of like riding a bike uphill, or swimming against the current. We made progress, but it was slow, and some mes painful. As we watched co‐
loca on make a big difference in ci es like New York, Chicago, and Houston, it was ob‐
vious that in a city the size of Philadelphia, with the large volume of reports of child sex‐
ual abuse, the only way to respond was from a central loca on, a true “one stop shop,” with all agencies in one facility, or as we call it, co‐loca on. In our new facility, PCA and our partner agencies will have an unprecedented opportunity to intervene immediately and collaboratively on ALL allegations of child sexual abuse. We will be able to interview children, support and educate caregivers and connect them to relevant treatment providers both on‐site and in the community. Having all of our partners under one roof will improve services allowing: to a larger, brighter and more child friendly space in Center City. It wasn’t co‐loca on, but it was progress and in the three years that have followed, we 1. Every child to be seen quickly: In the past, space constraints and juggling multiple schedules of have steadily partners at different locations throughout the city, built our ca‐
sometimes hampered our ability to interview multiple pacity to victims in a timely manner. . In this new space, with serve 100% our partners close by, we will no longer have space or of child vic‐
scheduling limitations. With greater staff capacity and ms. an additional interviewing suite, we will be able to Then one conduct four simultaneous forensic interview processes, offer expanded business hours to day, about accommodate families from 9 a.m.—9 p.m. Mondays two years through Fridays, and provide on‐call coverage for ago, DHS Commissioner Anne Marie Am‐
exigent circumstances requiring after hours or brose came to PCA for our annual legisla ve weekend response. breakfast. With no doubt or hesita on in her voice, she said “We’re going to make co‐ 2. Enhanced collaboration for team approach. The best approach for a child victim of sexual abuse is when all loca on happen.” Suddenly, leaders from all agencies work together. PCA has been advocating for partner agencies were mee ng to review and leading the collaborative approach since its possible loca ons, and develop floor plans. inception; however, being under one roof will We found a site that would accommodate strengthen relationships and enhance collaboration new construc on, and a developer who and make it easier to ensure that no child’s case falls could make the budget work. Following between the cracks. New protocols have been groundbreaking last August, construc on developed by the entire multidisciplinary team to started in the fall of 2012. In the weeks to ensure that every single case of suspected child sexual come, all agencies will be moving into the abuse is reviewed collaboratively immediately after it new facility. A dream come true…all agen‐
is reported and that the response is coordinated, cies that respond in cases of child sexual investigatively sound, and non‐traumatizing for abuse under one roof…child welfare social children and families. workers from the Department of Human 3. Medical Exams and Psychological Services On‐Site: Services… the en re Special Vic ms Unit of Prior to co‐location, PCA’s Victim Advocates referred the Philadelphia Police Department…an as‐
children needing medical and mental health services sistant district a orney on site…a pediatric So, we had this vision, a plan for how we to another provider. Many of the children we see planned to get to the next level and elevate medical clinic…mental health services…and require one or both of these services and that the en re staff and opera on of the Phila‐
the posi ve impact for the children we requires caregivers to keep multiple appointments at serve. All we needed was the support of all delphia Children’s Alliance. various sites. Unfortunately, this means that children do not always receive the services they desperately This new era of service has been a long me partner agencies, and a lot of money, and need. At our new location, there will be specialized coming. Some skep cs said it would never then we could build what we some mes medical services for children who require an exam referred to as our “field of dreams.” But happen in Philadelphia. But, thanks to City and we will have two therapeutic rooms with money was ght, our partner agencies had leaders, our suppor ve partner agencies, clinicians who can provide evidence‐based trauma compe ng priori es, and we were busy see‐ and our board, staff, and supporters, the therapy. Now, when a victim and a caregiver are on ing a con nually increasing number of chil‐ improved effec veness that comes with a co
location for an interview, they can be sent just down dren and teens. So, you could say we de‐
‐located response will now be available to all the hall for a medical exam or mental health services ferred our dream, and in 2010, we moved child vic ms in our city. with a level of continuity of care that was not from our small facility in West Philadelphia, Chris Kirchner, MSW, ExecuƟve Director
previously possible. ...expanded in Center City in 2010 We grew to
bursting at 4000
Chestnut St.
215-387-9500  www.kidalliance.org
and, will usher in a new era of service at 300 East Hun ng Park Avenue in the Summer of 2013 Imagine a safe haven where every child affected by the trauma of sexual abuse in Philadelphia is able to begin the healing process; a place where experts in the fields of social work, law enforcement, child protec ve services, medicine and prosecu on collaborate to achieve jus ce for each child; a place that works to ensure that jus ce is carried out. That place is Philadelphia Children’s Alliance. Now Imagine a world without PCA...Survivor Anthony Smith shares his long journey from that world to healing. In October 2013, at the conclusion of our screening of the film Boys to Men Healing, survivor Anthony Smith stood up to share his story of childhood sexual abuse publicly for the first me. He provided a compelling look into what it can mean to hold such a devasta ng secret for so many years. It is hard to imagine there was anyone in the audience unmoved by the depth of his pain and the image of a small 7 year old child carrying that burden and, for so many years, not finding a safe place to lay it down. Several weeks later, Tony accepted our invita on to visit the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance. A er a tour with Execu ve Director Chris Kirchner, he shared his hear elt gra tude that children today have a place to go and a process in place where they can tell what happened to them and that they have people to help them find healing and jus ce. He expressed relief that because the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance exists, children today don’t have to have their lives defined by the shame and guilt created by their vic miza on. On the day of his visit, Tony resolved to share his experience with others and he has since spoken to legislators at the PCA Legisla ve Breakfast in March, and most recently, at the Bear Affair. Tony Smith is a brave and gentle man…the father of a beloved daughter, the youngest child and brother of two loving sisters and a brother, a friend to many, and a skilled and valued professional whose job as a perfusionist with the Gi of Life Donor Program saves lives every day. Un l just a few years ago, Tony was also a drug addict and an alcoholic, an isolated man who spent much of his adult life in pain and emo onal distance even from those he loved best. He was 47 years old before he was able to connect his pain with the burden of the childhood sexual assault that he’d resolved, at the tender age of 7, to “take to his grave.” Over the years that have followed, he has reached out at last for the comfort, support and help he needed to heal. Now, he has reached out to help others. Here at PCA, we couldn’t be more grateful for his voice, his message and his partnership. – Jan Hatchard, Director of Development In Tony’s words: In 1972, I was 7 years old. My next door neighbor and I were best friends and like many boys our age, our a er‐school rou ne entailed homework, comple ng our assigned chores, and weather permi ng, riding our bikes un l nigh all. If something was wrong with our bikes, we would walk each other to the sta on to get our bikes fixed. On this par cular day, I had finished my assignments early and was ready to come outside before my friend. There was something wrong with my bike so I broke our rou ne and went alone to get my bike fixed thinking that by the me he was ready to come out, I’d be ready to ride. I ventured to the gas sta on and was on the way back – just one block from home – when a grown man I’d never seen before suddenly appeared and engaged me in conversa on. My assailant asked me to show him how well I could ride my bike in different areas and eventually guided me to a secluded spot in the back of a tractor trailer where he told me that if I did as he said, I would not be harmed. Fear gripped me but somehow I made up my mind not to resist him and to do as I was told. He performed his act, helped me get dressed, and then he walked off – never to be seen by me again. On that day, I resolved never to tell anyone what had happened. I lugged onto my seven year old shoulders the full and heavy weight of guilt and shame. All I could think about was how this would break my loving mother’s heart; that she would become a lioness protec ng or seeking revenge for her cub. Even though my father was always a man of sound judgment, I imagined his eyes and ac ons would have been filled with rage. I felt that my brother and sisters reac ons would be somewhere between. My thoughts were not of protec ng my assailant but instead of protec ng my loved ones. So, I endured the shame and a er the immediate physical pain subsided, I began riding on the road of suppression. I don’t recall thinking of this ordeal o en as a child. I BLOCKED IT OUT! As I grew older, the past intense memory of this ordeal would only last for a few moments during which I would become intensely angry and then dismiss it as quickly as it came. Although an isolated incident, the effects were not isolated. My personality tended to be severely restrained. I developed barriers with everyone – even those I loved. Le ng anyone too close would render me defenseless. I’ve always had a loving and giving heart but rela onships were very difficult as I became distant or would purposely sabatoge each one. I was capable Cont’d on page 7 Healing and Justice for Sexually Abused Children in Philadelphia
The Problem:
67%
1,433
1 in 4 girls; 1 in 6 boys
of all victims of sexual assault reported
to law enforcement are under age 18.
Number of reports of child sexual abuse
to DHS in Philadelphia in 2012.
Coordinated multi-disciplinary
response in our child friendly
facility in cases of
Specialized forensic interviews
observed by team members
and video
video--recorded.
Family support, victim
advocacy and linkages to
medical and mental health
services.
Our Impact:
Last year, 1,273
Last year, 3,129
Since 1989, we have brought
healing and justice to more than
10,800 children.
Children were received case
coordination and interviewing by highly
trained professionals at PCA.
Children and non
non--offending caregivers
received crisis intervention and victim
support services.
will be sexually abused before
their 18th birthday.
What We Do:
Multi-Disciplinary
Team Members
SVU  DHS  District Attorney’s Office  CHOP  St. Christopher’s Hospital
WOAR  JJ Peters Institute  Support Center for Child Advocates
Children’s Crisis Treatment Center  Hall Mercer
215-387-9500
View our agency video on YouTube: www.youtube.com/kidallpca
2
In the Spotlight: Lynn Panepinto, Bilingual Victim Advocate
Lynn Panepinto joined the PCA Victim Advocate team as a Bilingual (Spanish/
English) Victim Advocate in September 2012, after holding various positions in
the research and mental health fields. Her previous experiences include
working as a research assistant in the school psychology field, providing one-onone therapeutic support to children in their homes and schools in Philadelphia,
and serving as an advocacy intern in Montgomery County. Just prior to joining
the PCA team, Lynn had been working and studying in Peru for several years.
She currently holds a dual Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Spanish from
St. Joseph’s University, as well as two Master’s Certificates: one in Spanish/
English Translation from LaSalle University and another in Management and
Social Policy from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru in Lima.
Lynn Panepinto with proud parents Paul
and Nancy (who raised a great kid!).
Lynn’s victim advocate training at PCA involved shadowing team processes and other advocates as they worked with families,
learning about the dynamics of child sexual abuse and the caregivers’ role in children’s recovery, and becoming oriented to the
multidisciplinary team approach. Lynn credits her coworkers with being a great source of inspiration to her, not only supporting
her as she took on this new role, but also maintaining a good sense of humor in the work environment.
Lynn is passionate about this particular field because she has come to realize that abuse and trauma are often the root of the
problem for many children and families, but these issues frequently go unaddressed. In her words, “Throughout my work with
children, I noticed that the different providers and systems involved in the children’s care were merely addressing symptoms of
underlying trauma. The Victim Advocate role appealed to me because I wanted to have the opportunity to work more closely with
caregivers, who are the most important factor in a child’s healing process. I wanted to orient and support them so that they can
support and advocate for their own children.”
Lynn shares, “One of the most rewarding parts of this job is being able to serve the Spanish-speaking families. They often have
limited access to resources due to linguistic and other barriers, so I am happy to be able to provide a source of support for this
often underserved population.”
Outside of PCA, Lynn enjoys practicing yoga, dance, and spinning. She is also involved with various volunteer-based projects in
Philadelphia’s Latino community.
Great
job!
WELLNESS
COMMITTEE
ROCKS!
Thank
you,
Team!
The Impor tance of Staff
Health and Wellness at PC A
policies for staff to come for addi onal support and opportuni es for con nuing educa on through workshops and conferences. “How do you do it?” That’s what most of us hear when we share what we do for a living here at PCA. Working in a Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) with children and families impacted by child abuse, can be both physically and emo onally challenging. Research indicates that professionals in this field are at a higher risk of vicarious trauma za on and burnout; both effects of repeated (o en daily) exposure to the trauma c experiences of the families that we serve. Individuals with many different roles in CACs can be impacted. Check out the apprecia on bulle n board where you will find stars and high fives with posi ve notes wri en about co‐workers. There are lunch and learn workshops with topics like beginner’s yoga or community resources. One worthy staff person will have a ginormous blue HUG mug on their desk filled with candy to show apprecia on for their hard work and dedica on. Returning from vaca on, someone might find their cubicle has a new resident (see photo above) a er being visited by the infamous Prank Commi ee. PCA is commi ed to helping support staff in finding crea ve (and fun!) ways to develop skills and acquire tools in order to be healthier, happier and more effec ve individuals and members of the PCA team. One of the key ways that we are doing this is through The Wellness Commi ee, which was developed in 2010. On a par cularly hard day, you may find a group of us laughing around a YouTube video about Prancercise. In the wise words of Arnold Glasow, “Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects.” Despite the difficult subject we deal with every day, we all do our best to make sure there is no shortage of laughter here at PCA. You need only walk around PCA on any given day to see the various ac vi es of the commi ee. You will see supervisors with open door Michelle Kline, MSW, Forensic Interviewer Connect with us on LinkedIn: Philadelphia Children's Alliance
3
Photos by Anne Dale and James Lewis
Lucky 13 Bear Affair raises fun and funds
A hear elt thanks to our truly amazing
Bear Affair Commi ee and to all of the
supporters they inspired to build the won‐
derfully successful Harmelin Media Bear
Affair 2013. Together, we raised more
than $157,000 in support of the work of
Philadelphia Children’s Alliance.
Inspiring words from Mayor Nu er and survivor Anthony Smith, tunes from the Slicked Up 9's and a solo performance by PCA’s own Ruqayyah Qaiyim, beau ful floral arrangements from Create‐A‐Scene, and the classic atmosphere and yummy cuisine of the Crystal Tea Room set a fesve and celebratory stage for gree ng old and new friends, bidding on silent and live auc on items, and learning more about the work done at the Children's Alliance. Master of ceremonies Steve Highsmith and guest auc oneers Mike Missanelli and Ed
Mazurek took to the podium and led the way to our most successful live auc on yet raising $18,400. They broke yet another 4
record when a lively exchange of bids resulted in a final bid of $6,500 to see the Phillies play from Jeff Lurie’s private club box at Ci zen’s Bank Park. Thank you to everyone who had a role in the success of Bear Affair 2013 including all of our generous sponsors, the hundreds of companies and individuals who donated auc on items, the 425 friends who a ended, the Board and Staff of the Philadelphia Children's Alliance, our amazing crew of volunteers from Campbell’s, and our Planning Commi ee members who worked relessly to ensure a successful event. The members of the Bear Affair Commi ee—listed to the right—meet and work year round to ensure the success of the event and their energy and enthusiasm inspires countless others to sponsor, donate, and a end. They are already at work on next year’s event so be sure to mark your 2014 calendar for Thursday, May 1, 2014! Bear Affair Committee 2013
Kathleen Boland and Jennifer Sammons,
Co-Chairs
Paul DeSignore Chair, Day Of
Kathy Kallen, Chair, Entertainment
Art Hatchard, Facilities Coordinator
Lysa Puma and Denise Cohen,
Co-Chairs, Live Auction
Jim Miller, Walking Talking Teddy Bear
Becky Antczak, Connie O’Brien,
Maureen Finley and Natalie Mauro
Co-Chairs, Silent Auction
Andrea Colleluori and Courney Mallowe,
Co-Chairs, Volunteers
Tara Valletti, Graphic Artist
Bear Affair Committee-at-Large
Mike Gillespie, Lauren Hanko, Molly Lynyak,
Brenna Maier, and Alena Minarovicova
PCA Staff
Chris Kirchner, Executive Director
Jan Hatchard, Director of Development
Kathy Stepkowicz, Development Assistant
Nancy Ballard and Christine Jones, Finance
View our Bear Affair video on YouTube: www.youtube.com/kidallpca
Congratulations to our 2013 Team Excellence Award recipients!
Here at the Children’s Alliance we have the opportunity to work with many committed professionals from throughout the
City, and every year at the Bear Affair we proudly recognize their work on behalf of child victims in Philadelphia. At this
year’s Bear Affair, we were proud to honor Michelle Ludwig from the Department of Human Services, Corporal Shirley
Murray from the Police Department, SVU, and Erin O’Brien, Esq. from District Attorney’s Office, with our Team
Excellence Awards. Their work changes and improves lives every day. Rhett Hackett, survivor and motivational speaker
won the first Above and Beyond Award for his partnership with PCA and his work on behalf of survivors everywhere.
“The Capacity to care is the thing which gives life its deepest significance.” - Pablo Casals Photos by Anne Dale
The AIG Team Excellence Award presented by Kate
Boland (le ) and Jennifer Sammons (right) to:
Michelle Ludwig, MSW, LSW, Social Worker,
Sexual Abuse Inves ga ons Department of Human Services
The Inquirer Above and Beyond Award
presented by Tony Cuffie to:
Rhe Hacke
The John Kennedy Dealerships Team Excellence
Award presented by Mike Gillespie to:
Erin O’Brien, Esq., Assistant District A orney Family Violence and Sexual Assault Unit Philadelphia Office of the District A orney
The Aon Risk Solu ons Team Excellence
Award presented by Mary O’Leary to:
Corporal Shirley Murray
Philadelphia Police Department, Special Vic m’s Unit From left: Chris Kirchner, PCA Executive Director, Jackie Block Goldstein, PCA Associate
Director, Award Recipients Corporal Shirley Murray, Michelle Ludwig, Rhett Hackett, Erin
O’Brien, and PCA Board President Betsy Scarcelli.
THE SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE ON OUR WEBSITE SAYS IT ALL … “Here at PCA, we love social media! It can be a powerful tool for social change and social interac on. We encourage you to explore our sites, to follow us, like us, comment and interact!” Below you will find icons for all the ways that we are finding to reach out and connect with you. We’ve come a long way in just a short me, and we’ve caught the a en on of a much larger audience as a result. Consider that in April for Child Abuse Preven on/Sexual Assault Awareness Month, PCA decided to use social media for raising awareness around the issues that so intrinsically capture our awareness on a daily basis. Within days, Melony Roy, Social Media editor for KYW Newsradio 1060, picked up the story of PCA’s 6-Word Memoir Project and came to PCA to interview, Chris Kirchner. During that interview, Chris shared, “Our mission is definitely to provide direct services to children when there’s been an allega on of sexual abuse, but we also have a component of our mission that is about educa ng the community about the extent of the problem. … We’re hoping that people will take the me to think about their take on the issue of child sex abuse and put it into 6 words that we can then post on our website for our PCA 6‐Word Memoir Project.” To our surprise this story travelled around the world via Twi er to be retweeted by the Twi er account associated with the Broadcas ng Commission in Kingston, Jamaica (@BroadCom Ja) who opened up their morning tweets on April 3rd with “Good morning! Yet another win for social media – the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance is using it to fight abuse.” June was Internet Safety month and we found that our friends @BroadCom Ja tore up the twi er stream with really great resources advoca ng for Internet Sanity and Safety. What a small world it is a er all.
- Kathy Stepkowicz, Development Assistant
Follow our boards on Pinterest: pinterest.com/kidallpca
5
A Bridge to Healing:
One Partner’s Path
Kevin Junod The Philadelphia Children’s Alliance is proud to partner with the founding members of our Corporate 20 in the Bridge to Healing project. We are grateful for the essen al financial and advisory support they provide, and for the culture of caring and generosity they have nurtured in their workplaces. Together, we are commi ed to healing and jus ce for the children of Philadelphia. Below is the story of the inspira on behind the partnership of Lockton When Lockton Companies, a global insurance brokerage and employee benefits consul ng firm with over $1 billion in revenue, opened its Philadelphia office in August of 2011 it did not take long to reach a decision to partner with the Philadelphia Children's Alliance with the Corporate 20 Bridge to Healing program. As the world's largest privately held insurance brokerage firm, Lockton has just three stakeholder groups: its clients, its associates and the communi es in which it operates. Each group is equally important to the organiza on and employee performance is measured by the ability to serve these cons tuencies. Lockton's associates in Philadelphia have had a long history partnering with the Philadelphia Children's Alliance. From rounding up a endees for the annual Bear Affair and suppor ng other events, to organizing teddy bear drives and even prior board service, Lockton knew that PCA impacts the local community like no other organiza on in the Delaware Valley. "We were looking for an organiza on to partner with that had a similar ethos to the Lockton corporate mo o ‐ We Live Service!” said Kevin Junod, a past PCA board member and the Northeast healthcare industry prac ce leader for Lockton. "PCA embodies the values we strive to achieve each day: dedica on to a great mission, innova on, partnership, and teamwork. There is no greater return possible on our commitment of me or financial resources than seeing the remarkable results achieved by PCA. It's the kind of organiza on that makes a real difference in the lives of each of the more than sixteen hundred children sexually assaulted in the city annually." Your company can be a bridge to healing for child vic ms of sexual abuse. For more informa on, contact Jan Hatchard at 267‐546‐3800. The 2012 Philadelphia Insurance So ball League Tournament could definitely be called a compe on for good! Savitz took home the tle, but everyone was a winner. A special thanks to Tom Caputo of ACE Insurance Group for organizing this annual fun and fundraiser! Save the Date: Sept 28, 2013 Time: 6‐10 PM Where: Ramoth Church Vineland, NJ Tickets: $15 in advance $20 at the door www.bocb.org Stay tuned for more info and a social media blast as the date Saks Fun, Food & Fashion Co‐Chairs Patricia Plummer Wilson draws near! and Kathryn Hydier Straub pose with Emcee LuAnn Cahn of NBC10. Pictured below are models City Solicitor Shelley Smith, Catalyst 360˚ CEO and Corporate 20 Partner Renée Kuwahara, and Businesswoman/Philanthropist Chris ne Kanter. The contenders from the AIG Wing Bowl 2013 faced strong compe on but Ma Smyth, represen ng the “away team” of Conner, Strong & Buckelew, took home the trophy. Everyone who par cipated was a champion raising more than $8,000 on behalf of PCA. 6
Like Us on Facebook: PhiladelphiaChildrensAlliance
Healing and Justice: PCA to Offer On-Site
Mental Health Treatment for Children and Families
In the summer of 2013, thanks to a  Child and Family Trauma c Stress Interven on (CFTSI), generous grant from the Pew which is a short‐term family focused model designed to Charitable Trusts, the Philadelphia prevent the development of chronic Post‐Trauma c Stress Children’s Alliance will begin to offer Disorder (PTSD) following a trauma c event. Typically four on‐site mental health treatment for to six sessions, CFTSI is best used for children ages 7 and up children who have been sexually who have a long‐term suppor ve caregiver and who do not abused and their suppor ve meet criteria for PTSD. caregivers.  Trauma‐Focused Cogni ve Behavioral Therapy (TF‐CBT) is a Recognizing the crucial need for longer model, typically involving twelve to eighteen Lois Keller, MS, LPC vic mized children to have access to sessions, which helps children of all ages and their non‐
high‐quality, evidence‐based, trauma‐specific therapy in a offending caregivers overcome trauma‐related difficul es. mely manner, PCA’s Vic m Advocates rou nely referred many TF‐CBT can be used effec vely with children who already families to exis ng therapeu c providers, but found that there meet criteria for PTSD. was not enough supply to meet the demand. Faced with long Through the use of both models, it is an cipated that children waitlists and families that became disengaged, it was me to will demonstrate a significant improvement in func oning or bring this service in house. Co‐loca on offered the perfect show a reduc on of trauma symptoms and that overall, ming and the space necessary to make that happen. compliance with treatment will be higher due to the con nuity Experienced clinician and licensed professional counselor Lois Keller was hired to develop PCA’s mental health program and to provide evidence‐based treatment to many of PCA’s clients. In addi on to standardized screening of all children who present at PCA for symptoms of Post‐Trauma c Stress Disorder (PTSD), the following two therapeu c models, will be offered: In Tony’s Words (cont’d from page 2)
of giving affec on but uncomfortable receiving it. I was never able to travel down the road of happiness…could never experience a las ng love. of care available at PCA and the immediate availability of treatment. Taking PCA one step closer to fully actualizing our mission, we are very excited to begin providing these services and we look forward to watching our clients progress down the path toward jus ce and healing. Jackie Block Goldstein, MSW, LSW, Associate Director for over 15 years. I couldn’t stop and I wouldn’t get help. Ul mately, the dynamics of my rela onship with my sister Claude e became very strained and a fracture was about to take place. With this breakdown about to transpire, I finally I dove into a life of helping others – first as a went to her in an a empt to shed light as to scrub nurse in the opera ng room of why I am the way I am. I finally shared with Pennsylvania Hospital and for the last 20 her what had happened to me 40 years years, as a perfusionist for the Gi of Life before. She was devastated, but gained her Donor Program. That was my professional life. composure to assure me there was help out Personally, I began to self‐medicate with there. She helped me take the first step in alcohol and powder cocaine. My plight lasted finding the counseling I needed to begin to shed my lifelong burden of guilt and shame. A few months ago, I turned 48. But, on January 22nd, I reached an even more important milestone. I a ended my last psychotherapy session for this trauma c event that happened to me so many years ago. As you can see, God has changed my name in so many ways to “Miracle”. A brand new life is wai ng for you or anyone you know that is in need. Strength and recovery is in your voice. “Feedback is the Breakfast of Champions.”
Ken Blanchard
Philadelphia Children’s Alliance (PCA) hosted its 3rd Annual Legislative Breakfast on March 1, 2013 where over 20 legislators and their staff came to hear about our successes and goals. Adult Survivor Anthony Smith shared his personal
journey in his first public presentation. We also provided an update on child sexual abuse legislation in Pennsylvania.
Thanks to all who came out to show their support! It was exciting to see so many influential politicians engaged and
learning about what we do every day.
From Le to Right: Stephen Smith, VP of PCA Board of Directors; Tony Smith, Adult Survivor of child sexual abuse; Jackie Block Goldstein, Associ‐
ate Director of PCA; Dr. Cindy Chris an from CHOP & DHS; and Captain Darby from Philly SVU pose a er the event. PCA Board member Bebe Kivitz and Rep. Ed Neilson stopped to pose for the camera during this year’s breakfast. Rep. Stephen Kinsey, PCA Associate Director Jackie Goldstein and PCA Board member John Delaney (of the Philadelphia District A orney’s Office) were all smiles while at the 2013 Legisla ve Breakfast. Join our conversation on Twitter: @KidAllPCA
7
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 48
Bellmawr, NJ
300 East Hun ng Park Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19124
2013 Board of Directors Betsy Scarcelli ‐ President
Stephen H. Smith ‐ Vice President
Shanon S. Levin, Esq. ‐ Secretary
Dennis E. Johnson ‐ Treasurer
David J. Antczak, Esquire
Frank P. Cervone, Esquire
Captain John Darby
John Delaney, Esquire
Michael T. Gillespie, Jr.
Michelle Haitsch
Daniel Haley
Linda F. Hibbert
Derek R. Hopper
Alan G. Howald
Wayne A. Johns
Bebe H. Kivitz, Esquire
Paul J. Marvel, CPA
Kim McCaffery
Wendy Nestler
Gary O’Brien
What wouldn’t you give to
help a child victim become a survivor?
We appreciate all the ways in which our partners support our work every day. Here are some ideas: 
DONATE NOW by making a tax deduc ble contribu on by check or online at
www.kidalliance.org. 
Become a sustaining donor by se ng up a monthly contribu on 
Ask about par cipa on in the Bridge to Healing—the Corporate 20 or the Giving Society 
Create your own PCA Donor Page (call Kathy Stepkowicz at 267‐546‐3811) 
Remember PCA in your estate planning 
Contribute a sponsorship or an auc on item to the Bear Affair 
Suggest a “Jean’s Day” at your place of work—We’ll help! 
Organize a Teddy Bear drive in the Fall or Winter 2013 Staff Chris Kirchner, MSW, Execu ve Director Jackie Block Goldstein, MSW, LSW, Associate Director
Denise Wilson, MSW, LSW, Mgr, Forensic Services Vickie Melvin, MSW, LSW, Mgr, Vic m Services Molly Lynyak, MPA, Mgr, Intake Services Forensic Interviewers: Ron Ayler, MSW
Berth Bartolin, MA, LPC
Maylis Feliz, MSW, Bilingual Forensic Interviewer
Colleen Getz, MSW
Michelle Kline, MSS, LCSW
Andrea October, MSS
Therapeu c Services: Lois Keller, MS, LPC, Lead Clinician Vic m Advocates: Genevie Brown, M.Ed.
Victoria Ginns, MHS
Leah Mundy, MSW
Lynn Panepinto, Bilingual Vic m Advocate
Photo by Chad Burkholder
Our dedicated friends at Catalyst 360° (a founding partner of the Corporate 20) have
done it again, collec ng more than 600 teddy
bears for the children served at PCA! Pictured above is Teddy Bear Wrangler Kathy Serfass. Intake and Childcare:
Anesha Barnard
Anthony DePrince
Dominique Harvey
Ruqayyah Qaiyim
“I didn't think it was possible to be more impressed with the work that you do on behalf of those who need so much help, but I con nue to be amazed. I'm honored to be associated with an organiza on that provides such a cri cal service, and I look forward to my ongoing support of PCA.” ‐ Jay Fleming, a Bridge
to Healing Giving Society donor, during a visit to
PCA. Administra ve Team:
Nancy Ballard, Finance Manager
Chris ne Jones, Office Manager
“What other people find in poetry or art museums, I find in the flight of a good drive.” Development Team: Jan Hatchard, Director of Development Rebecca Rimmer Antczak, Grant Writer Kathy Stepkowicz, Development Assistant Northeast Regional Children’s Advocacy Center:
Anne Lynn, MSW, Project Director Maria Gallagher, MSW, Outreach Coordinator Ellen Smith, Administra ve Assistant Teresa Smith, Ph.D., LSW,
Outreach and Training Coordinator Arnold Palmer For the 2nd year, American Heritage Troop
Leaders Crystal Wichard and Janet
Sainsbury (pictured with PCA staff Victoria Ginns, Jan Hatchard, Ellen Smith, and Vickie Melvin) visited with their daughters
Kate Sainsbury (pictured on right) and Hailey Wichard (not pictured) delivered 80
duffel bags, created by troop members
through a service project. The duffel bags
are being distributed to children served at
PCA on behalf of this dedicated Troop from
Paoli.
A heartfelt thanks to our friends at
Aon Risk Solutions for planning,
sponsoring, and hosting the
2013 Aon Golf Classic
SPRINGHAVEN COUNTRY CLUB
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2013
Visit the Support Us page on our website: www.kidalliance.org