OUR STORY

 

NMAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to ensuring every child has access to the compassionate, collaborative services of a Child Advocacy Center.

We believe that no one person has all of the knowledge, skills and experience to protect our children.

Together we are stronger. Together we can protect all MI Kids.

Our History

With the vision to bring Child Advocacy and Multidisciplinary Team services to children in underserved areas of Michigan, a devoted group of child advocacy professionals, community members, and child abuse investigative agencies united in an effort to develop a stand-alone 501(c)(3) CAC in Harrison, Michigan.

  • September 2014: Our Co-Founders, Bethany Law and Karen Adams, brought together a small group of volunteer Board of Directors and the CAC opened its doors as the Northern Michigan Mobile Child Advocacy Center. Initially the CAC provided Forensic Interviewing and Victim Advocacy services.

  • 2017: The Prevention Education program was launched teaching developmentally appropriate, evidence-based body safety lessons.

  • 2018: NMMCAC publicly changed its name to the Northern Michigan Alliance for Children to signify the alliance between community partners who work together to build bridges to brighter futures.

  • 2020: The Center of Hope and Healing was opened to provide therapeutic services to children and caregivers who receive services at the CAC, free of charge.

Founders of NMAC

Bethany Law, Co-Founder

After graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Legal Studies and Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, Bethany served four years as a police officer in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. After moving to Michigan in 2011 she began her journey as a specialized forensic interviewer, an interim Executive Director for Child & Family Enrichment Council, and then started her very own Child Advocacy Center with dreams of going mobile.

Karen Adams, Co-Founder

Karen has spent over 20 years working with children and families in diverse professional settings. She is an expert in the field of child development, and has endless knowledge of leading Child Advocacy Centers to success.