50 Years Strong: How Washtenaw Area Council for Children Builds Safer, Healthier Futures for Kids

For half a century, the Washtenaw Area Council for Children (WACC) has been a cornerstone of prevention, protection and empowerment for families across Washtenaw County. Founded in 1975 to fill critical gaps in the child welfare system, WACC has quietly but powerfully helped thousands of children grow up safer and stronger.

From offering safe sleep education to new parents to teaching teens how to navigate social media safely, WACC’s programming evolves alongside the children it serves. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the organization is using the moment not just to reflect—but to look ahead and reaffirm its mission.

“We’re really proud to be a place where kids can stay safe for a lifetime,” says Tim Richey, executive director of WACC. “Our programs follow kids throughout their development, addressing the risks they face at each stage.”

Support for safety and wellness across the lifespan

WACC’s reach is wide and deep. WACC partners closely with schools—delivering 85% of its programming within classrooms — and is active in all nine public school districts across Washtenaw County.

This year, the organization expects to serve more than 11,000 students and parents through educational and prevention-focused programming.

Its work begins at birth, with infant safe sleep training and shaken baby syndrome prevention. Then comes body safety education in preschool and early elementary years — equipping kids with the language and confidence to speak up about abuse or harm. In middle school and beyond, cyber safety workshops teach students how to navigate online threats, while mental wellness and resilience programming builds tools for teens.

“We work to build protective factors not just for kids but also their parents,” says Robin Batten, program director at WACC. “Almost all of our programs include a parent component.”

That family-centered approach extends into the broader community. WACC regularly partners with churches, colleges and local businesses, offering lectures, workshops and outreach tailored to each group’s needs. “If people want to learn, we’re there,” Batten says.

Prevention as mental health support

While WACC’s work is rooted in child safety, its benefits ripple further — particularly into mental health. “When we prevent abuse, injury or trauma, we’re also preventing the long-term mental health struggles that can follow,” Richey explains.

Children who experience abuse or injury are significantly more likely to face anxiety, depression and other challenges later in life. By working upstream, WACC helps stop those problems before they start.

That commitment was recognized in 2024, when the organization received a mini-grant from the Flinn Foundation to support its ongoing work in prevention and mental wellness.

“It’s about helping kids stay on a positive path,” Batten adds. “And that includes reducing the chance of delinquency or community violence.”

Youth diversion through collaboration

WACC’s leadership in youth diversion — programs that help kids stay out of the juvenile justice system — is growing. In 2024, WACC became the fiduciary for the Washtenaw Alliance for Children and Youth (WACY), a countywide coalition of nonprofits and public partners focused on supporting youth development.

“Our efforts to support WACY are an extension of our child abuse prevention work,” Richey says. “It’s about reaching kids before they fall through the cracks.”

That philosophy drives WACC’s broader focus on early education and community engagement—approaches that aim to prevent problems before they escalate.

Adapting to today’s challenges

Over the decades, WACC has transformed with the times. What began as a grassroots child advocacy initiative is now a dynamic organization grounded in evidence-based programming.

“I think our programs try to make sure that all of what we’re presenting is current and relevant to what’s happening now,” Batten says. “So we wouldn’t teach a program that’s totally outdated and not relevant to the needs of our community.”

That includes teaching digital citizenship, recognizing cyberbullying and offering parents the tools to support their children’s emotional growth. WACC is also training community facilitators to deliver programs — expanding reach without overextending staff.

Looking ahead, they’re exploring how to support parents even more deeply, possibly through support groups or peer networks.

A call for community support

As demand for WACC’s services grows, so does the need for sustainable funding. To mark its 50th year, the nonprofit launched the Safe Kids Bright Futures Campaign, with a goal to raise $50,000 in honor of its legacy and future impact.

On April 24, the organization will host its Pancakes for Prevention event, part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, to bring supporters together and celebrate decades of advocacy.

“We’ve been one of the best kept secrets in Washtenaw County,” Richey says. “Now, we want everyone to know what we’re doing and how they can be involved with us.”

How to get involved