In 2019, over 672,000 children spent time in U.S. foster care. May is National Foster Care Month, a time dedicated to bringing awareness to the growing number of children requiring support and the professionals who help youth find permanent homes. EAC Network strives to improve the lives of foster care…
Did you know that the average amount of time young people spend in the foster care system in New York State is over 18 months? During these long months, many of those in foster care do not have natural supports systems in place. To fulfill this unmet need, EAC Network’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) act in the best interests of young people in foster care in Nassau and Suffolk counties as they transition into permanent housing.
Due to increased gang presence in Suffolk County, the commercial sexual exploitation of children has become a growing epidemic on the East End of Long Island. This social problem has created a pressing need for additional support services for young people who have been impacted by or are at risk of commercial sexual exploitation. Safe Harbour Mentoring, an EAC Network program, works on the frontlines, making a difference in the lives of young people in our communities. Learn more about this solution-based youth mentoring program and find out what you can do to help.
National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, observed during January, is dedicated to raising public awareness about human trafficking, which continues to be a major problem in America — even in 2022. In Suffolk County, our Safe Harbour program has been protecting and caring for children who are at-risk or have been sexually exploited since 2014. This month, take a moment to learn about this EAC Network program and how you can help us raise awareness about this important issue.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) primary goal for child passenger safety is to make sure all parents and caregivers are correctly using the right car seats (rear-facing car seats, forward-facing car seats, or booster seats) or seat belts for their children’s ages and sizes.
For many at-risk Suffolk County children, the Long Island Parenting Institute (LIPI) is the bridge that connects them to a brighter future. Through evidence-based curricula and tools, LIPI teaches, supports, and empowers vulnerable Long Island children who have been abused or neglected. During National Purposeful Parenting Month, we highlight the positive impact LIPI has in underserved communities on Long Island.
Every April, the Child Advocacy Center recognizes National Child Abuse Prevention Month by strengthening connections with the Suffolk County community. Acknowledging the uniqueness of the last year, the CAC sought to create a tangible community-wide project that reflects today’s challenges. This year’s project — a collection of feathers adorned with messages of resilience — empowers youth to persevere in times of crisis.
EAC Network’s Chance to Advance mentors — the selfless individuals who build relationships that encourage personal growth — help shape the lives of youth in foster care. The support they provide has been responsible for improving the quality of life of countless young people. This January, in recognition of National Mentoring Month, we salute those mentors of Chance to Advance who give so much to help others.
Human trafficking in Suffolk County is far more prevalent than most realize, and many youths who are at-risk of this often fall under the radar. Approximately 300,000 to 500,000 children are bought for sex in the United States annually. Every January, National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month is recognized to raise awareness that could potentially help raise awareness and prevent more children from becoming victims of human trafficking. Educate yourself about this important cause, which EAC Network’s Safe Harbour program is dedicated to advancing.
In the season of giving, one of the best gifts you can give is your time. Not only will it help those in need, but your altruism will also make your own holidays brighter. If you are interested in local volunteer opportunities, consider EAC Network’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). The New York Times’ opinion columnist Nicholas Kristof recently recommended volunteering with CASA in his annual “Holiday Gift Guide.”
Special Thanks
EAC Network incurs service and credit card fees in order to process online donations, which lowers the value of your donation. When making an online donation, you guarantee that 100% of the value of your donation goes directly to EAC Network by covering the small cost of fees. Should you prefer not to cover the cost of fees, please call our Development Department at (516) 539-0150 x117 to arrange your donation by phone, or to make your donation by check, please fill out this form and mail it to:
EAC Network
Attention: Development
99 Quentin Roosevelt Blvd.
Suite 200
Garden City, NY 11530
Thank you again for your generous support!