Children's Advocacy Center of Kent County

The OK Corral was the perfect place to tip our hats and celebrate Detective Mike Tanis as he rides off into the sunset after 30 years with the Kent County Sheriff's Office.

For three decades, Mike has been a steadfast advocate for children and families, a trusted partner in our work, an exceptional detective, and a true friend. He brought humor to even the toughest days, while never losing sight of what mattered most—seeking justice and giving every case his very best.

His boots will be hard to fill, and he'll be greatly missed around these parts. But we're excited to see what adventures await him on the trail ahead.

Thank you, Mike, for your service, your partnership, your dedication, and the countless lives you've impacted along the way. Wishing you nothing but blue skies and smooth riding in retirement.

A huge thank you to Saladino Smoke for keeping the posse well-fed with some absolutely delicious BBQ!

🤠🐴🌅

The Children's Advocacy Center of Kent County is seeking a passionate, engaging, and reliable Prevention Educator to join our Kids Have Rights™ team. Prevention Educators deliver school-based child sexual abuse prevention education to elementary-age students throughout Kent County, helping children build body-safety knowledge, develop protective skills, identify trusted adults, and seek help when needed. Through engaging classroom instruction and positive relationship-building with students, educators, school staff, and caregivers, Prevention Educators serve as ambassadors of the Kids Have Rights™ program while advancing our mission of preventing child sexual abuse and promoting the safety and well-being of children in our community. 💛

https://childrens-advocacy-center-of-kent-county.prismhr-hire.com/job/1029323/prevention-educator

After nearly three decades in law enforcement and years of dedicated partnership with the Children's Advocacy Center of Kent County, Detective Mike Tanis is retiring.

Since joining our Multidisciplinary Team in 2020, Mike has been a steadfast advocate for children and families, bringing compassion, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to justice to every case. His work reminds us that supporting children doesn't end with an investigation. It continues through healing, hope, and the many professionals working together on their behalf.

Mike often shared his trust in the MDT model and the people behind it, knowing that children and families would continue to receive the care and support they deserve. His dedication has left a lasting impact on our team, our partners, and the community he has served.

Please join us in thanking Mike for his years of service and wishing him all the best in his well-earned retirement. Congratulations, Mike! 🎉💙

Before we get too far into the month, we couldn't let May pass without celebrating some incredible work anniversaries!
Happy Anniversary to Kendra, Olivia, and Kayla!
Thank you for your dedication, passion, and the impact you make every day for the children and families we serve. We are so grateful to have each of you on our team!
Please join us in celebrating Kendra, Olivia, and Kayla! 💙

On May 7, 2026, we gathered at Frederik Meijer Gardens for our annual Believe the Child Luncheon, united around this year’s message:

💙 Together, We Believe. Together, We Protect. 💙

With a packed house full of supporters, partners, advocates, and community members, we had the opportunity to highlight the incredible prevention work happening at the Center and throughout our multidisciplinary team.

Every day, our prevention team is working to ensure that children across Kent County know:
✨ They have the right to feel safe
✨ They have the right to feel empowered
✨ They deserve to be believed

Prevention starts with education, awareness, trusted adults, and a community willing to stand together for children. We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us, supported this work, and continues to help build a safer future for children and families in our community.

Together, we believe. Together, we protect.

During Law Enforcement Appreciation Week, we pause to recognize the extraordinary dedication of the law enforcement professionals who serve as vital members of our Multidisciplinary Team.

At the Center, our MDT partners stand beside children and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Their collaboration, professionalism, and unwavering pursuit of justice help create safety, healing, and hope for survivors.

We are deeply thankful for the partnerships that strengthen our mission and for the individuals who serve with integrity and heart.

Please join us in thanking the law enforcement officers in our community today and throughout Law Enforcement Appreciation Week. 💙

We may be a day late, but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to recognize and thank the incredible Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) at the YWCA West Central Michigan during National Nurses Week. 💙

Your compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication provide comfort, care, and support to survivors during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. The work you do goes far beyond medical care, you help create safety, dignity, and healing for those who need it most.

We are so grateful to partner alongside such an amazing team making a lasting impact in our community each and every day. Thank you for all that you do for children, families, and survivors across Kent County.

Happy Birthday to some incredible members of our CAC family celebrating this May! 🎉💙

This month, we’re celebrating our amazing MDT Partner Detective Anthonee, our dedicated Development & Communications Director Kyle and our Prevention Supervisor Andrea! Thank you each for the passion, partnership, and heart you bring to this work every day. Your commitment helps create safer, stronger futures for children and families in our community.

We are so grateful for all that you do and hope your birthdays are filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of celebration this month! 🎂✨