Northern Michigan Alliance for Children Celebrates 10th Anniversary

The Northern Michigan Alliance for Children (NMAC) is proud to announce its 10th anniversary, commemorating a decade of providing the compassionate, collaborative services of a Child Advocacy Center to children and families in rural Michigan. To celebrate this milestone, the organization is hosting an "Evening of Impact" gala on June 20 at Riverwalk Place in Gladwin, Michigan.

The evening will spotlight a special recognition of two outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of child abuse prevention and intervention and the success of Northern Michigan Alliance for Children. Officer Brian David and Prosecuting Attorney Michelle Ambrozaitis will receive the organization's Lifetime Achievement Awards for their tireless efforts to protect and serve children in our community.

Officer Brian David, a dedicated and esteemed member of the Clare community, is being honored with a lifetime achievement award for his remarkable service as a police officer and liaison officer with the Clare Police Department. His tenure is distinguished by his role as the Liaison Officer for Clare Public Schools where he fosters a safe and supportive environment for his students. Officer Brian David has served as a Board of Directors member since the inception of NMAC in 2014. As an investigative partner on the multidisciplinary team model, Brian David advocates for a continued collaborative approach to child abuse investigations. His legacy is one of service, commitment, and community.

Prosecuting Attorney Michelle Ambrozaitis has demonstrated unwavering commitment to seeking justice for victims of child abuse, consistently advocating for the rights and well-being of children in our community. During her time on the Board of Directors, she has served on the executive committee as the Secretary and Board Chairperson. As the elected prosecutor, Michelle Ambrozaitis advocated for the establishment of the child advocacy center in Clare County in 2014 and continued to champion the utilization of the Child Advocacy Center for child abuse investigations. Her legacy is one of justice, advocacy, and community.

"We are thrilled to honor Officer David and Prosecutor Ambrozaitis for their outstanding dedication to the children of our community," said Desirea Woodworth, Executive Director of the Northern Michigan Alliance for Children. "Their work has made a profound impact on the lives of countless children, and we are thrilled to honor them with our first ever Lifetime Achievement Awards for their consistent support of Northern Michigan Alliance."

The "Evening of Impact" gala will feature food, drinks, raffles, and entertainment by the musical group Mir & the Man. The event is open to the public and aims to raise awareness and funds for the organization's child abuse prevention and intervention programs.

The evening will also highlight a special recognition of five outstanding individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the field of child abuse prevention and intervention with the Helping Hand, Change Maker, Mountain Mover, Shining Star, and Team Impact awards to be presented at their 10^th Anniversary Celebration.

"We are proud to have served thousands of children and families in our community over the past decade," said Desirea. "We are appreciative to have the support of our community and look forward to continuing our mission of creating a community that does not tolerate abuse, where every child is safe, healthy, and happy.”

To learn more about the Northern Michigan Alliance for Children and its services, please visit www.mikids.org. For more information about the "Evening of Impact" gala or to purchase tickets, visit www.mikids.org/eveningofimpact.