June’s Message from our President and CEO

Summer is one of my favorite seasons—end-of-school-year celebrations, family vacations, and enjoying summer evenings with family and friends. It’s a time of adventure, laughter, relaxation, and connection. But as we bask in the warm summer sun, let us remember that this time can also be stressful and chaotic for some of our neighbors and families.

Parents and caregivers in the summer months need access to childcare, and families with low incomes often struggle to find affordable, high-quality childcare for their children. Families may struggle with food security because their children can no longer access free or reduced school meals.  The research is clear—children who live in families with access to economic and concrete supports, like food and childcare, are less likely to experience abuse and neglect. We must help families access the resources they need this summer and throughout the year, so they have support when they need it, in their communities, before they are in crisis. Here are two fantastic resources for parents and caregivers:

• Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov)
• Child Care Financial Assistance Options | Childcare.gov

At our annual luncheon in May we announced our bold new goal to cut child abuse and neglect in half by 2050, safely diverting nearly 50 million kids from coming to the attention of our nation’s child welfare system. THANK YOU to everyone who supported PCA America’s Annual Luncheon—Prevention in Partnership. Because of you, we exceeded our $250,000 goal and are on our way to achieving our bold new objective. If you haven’t already, please consider donating to help us achieve our new vision.

Below are other ways we are rallying around prevention this summer:

• During Pride Month (June) we honor and support the LGBTQ+ children, youth and families who continue to fight to live openly and authentically and to raise their families free from the threat of harm.  LGBTQ+ youth are at greater risk for involvement in the child welfare system, and at PCA America we continue to partner with organizations like the Human Rights Campaign to ensure all LGBTQ youth and families are safe, strong, and have equal rights and opportunities.
• On the Global Day of Parents (June 1^st) we highlighted parents’ central role in nurturing the well-being and development of their children.
• On Lurie Children’s Day (June 9^th) we celebrated the hospital’s longstanding commitment to transforming children’s health in Chicago and beyond. PCA America is thankful for Lurie’s continued partnership in rallying behind prevention efforts that strengthen families and communities.
• Father’s Day (June 14^th) gave us the chance to acknowledge the dads, father figures, and paternal heroes who make their families stronger, healthier, and happier!
• Juneteenth (June 19^th) is one of the most important anniversaries in our country’s history. PCA America is committed to building a future that assures freedom, dignity, and equality for all.
• On National PTSD Awareness Day (June 27^th) we’re recognizing the effects of post-traumatic stress and sharing how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a key factor in causing trauma. You can hear me talk about ACEs here.

Our goal is to provide hope and help to ALL families through our nationwide chapter network, home visiting program, prevention research and policies, and awareness efforts like the ones highlighted above. Please take a look at our 2023 annual report highlighting the impact we continue to have because of our dedicated and committed staff, board, partners, and donors and supporters like you.

Prevention is hard work, but it is also heart work. Together, we know we can prevent child abuse and neglect before they ever begin.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Dr. Melissa Merrick
President and CEO, PCA America