Recent SCAN News
March 17, 2010
Sonia Quiñónez Selected To Lead SCAN; Nonprofit Veteran Successfully Directed SCAN's Development Efforts
The SCAN board of directors has announced the promotion of longtime Director of Development Sonia Quiñónez to the position of executive director. The current executive director, Diane Charles, announced her decision to leave in January. Quiñónez has been the director of development for SCAN since 2004, and in that time has vastly improved the fundraising efforts of the Alexandria-based nonprofit, which is dedicated to the well-being of children and the prevention of child abuse and neglect in Northern Virginia
> Read the official press release
February 11, 2010
CASA Multicultural Volunteer Recruitment Social Event
> Download the flyer
> View the event on Facebook
> National CASA highlighted SCAN's Alexandria/Arlington CASA Program for its targeted recruitment efforts
> Read coverage in the Alexandria Gazette
January 18, 2010
SCAN’s Decorated Leader Diane Charles to Step Down After 11 Years of Extraordinary Service to Community and Children
Diane Charles, executive director of SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) of Northern Virginia since 1999, has announced her decision to leave SCAN in June 2010. Charles is the longest serving full-time executive director to lead the Alexandria-based nonprofit, which is dedicated to the well-being of children and the prevention of child abuse and neglect in Northern Virginia. Last year, SCAN celebrated its 20th anniversary and is a guiding force in the region's efforts to protect children and support families through education, advocacy and support.
> Read the official press release
> Read coverage in the Alexandria Times
> Read coverage on LocalKicks
December 1, 2009
SCAN Posts Holiday Wish List
Want to make a difference for children and families this holiday season? Consider making a special holiday donation of Wish List items to SCAN, or organize a larger donation with your faith group, workplace or neighborhood.
> Read SCAN's Holiday Wish List here
November 14, 2009
SCAN hosts 7th Annual Toast to Hope
More than 220 guests attended SCAN's Toast to Hope, which raised more than $60,000 to support SCAN's child abuse prevention programs. Held at the NRECA Conference Center in Ballston, the evening also included presentation of the 2009 Cleary Award to Argon ST, and a gallery of work from SCAN's "Bringing Children and Families Into Focus" Photography Contest.
> Learn more and see pictures from the evening here
November 6, 2009
SCAN Board Member Gail Ledford honored for her commitment to children and families
On November 6th, SCAN Board Member Gail Ledford received the Community Partnership Award from Leadership Fairfax. Gail was honored for her more than 13 years of work with the County focusing on integrating programs and funding for children and their families. Her efforts have resulted in profound changes in the way children’s services are organized and delivered.
> Learn more about the Northern Virginia Leadership Awards
> Watch a video about Gail and her award on YouTube
November 5, 2009
SCAN’s Letter to the Editor Comments on Recent “Every Child Matters” Report on Rise in Child Deaths Across the Country
A number of local papers carried SCAN’s Letter to the Editor following the release of Every Child Matter’s latest report on Capitol Hill. The report focused on the rise in child deaths across the country due to abuse and neglect, and called for more federal funding to prevent further increases.
> Read SCAN’s letter in the Alexandria Gazette
> Read SCAN’s letter in the Arlington Connection
> Read SCAN’s letter in the Burke Connection
> Read SCAN’s letter in the Fairfax Connection
October 18, 2009
Local Church Hosts Children's Sabbath Event to Support SCAN
Mount Olivet United Methodist Church in Arlington hosted a Children's Sabbath event on October 18th, offering its members multiple ways to support SCAN and its community's children.
> See photos and learn more about the event
October 8, 2009
SCAN to Help Sponsor "Step Up For Kids" Rally
Please join SCAN and other sponsors at the Step Up for Kids rally to raise the profile of children’s issues during the election and budget cycle. First Lady Anne Holton and Attorney General Bill Mims will be among the featured speakers.
Step Up For Kids is a non-partisan rally to raise the profile of children’s issues during this election cycle and show widespread public support for a shift in spending priorities towards children and families. The purpose of the rally is to draw public attention to issues affecting America’s children such as poverty, health care, juvenile incarceration, early care and education, and child abuse. Our Virginia Step Up For Kids rally is part of a nationwide effort that includes events in all 50 states!
> Learn more about the event on Facebook here
September 3, 2009
CASA Volunteer Tim Stock profiled by Arlington Connection
SCAN’s Alexandria/Arlington CASA Program was highlighted in a recent article profiling volunteer Tim Stock’s 10-year experience with the growing program.
> Read the full article here
July 30, 2009
SCAN staff member appointed by Governor Kaine to the Virginia Council for the Interstate Compact for Juveniles
Dana Taylor, SCAN Alexandria/Arlington CASA Case Supervisor, was appointed and commissioned by Governor Tim Kaine to serve on the Virginia Council for the Interstate Compact for Juveniles.
> Read the official press release here
July 3, 2009
Following another tragic death of child left in hot car, SCAN writes Letter to the Editor
Yet another child died tragically after being left in a hot car alone this month, prompting SCAN to reach out once again with a message of public education and support. SCAN’s Letter to the Editor ran in a number of local papers:
> Read the letter in the Alexandria Gazette
> Read the letter in the Arlington Connection
> Read the letter in the Herndon Connection
> Read the letter in the Loudoun-Times Mirror
June 30 – July 14, 2009
SCAN asks supporters for nominations in Great Harvest’s Nonprofit Program
To celebrate their anniversary, the local Great Harvest Bread Co. in Alexandria is hosting a special day to raise funds for a local nonprofit by baking hundreds of loaves of bread to sell in their bakery, and the organization will be given all of the proceeds. SCAN has a chance to be that lucky nonprofit, and is asking supporters to stop in at Great Harvest and drop off a nomination for SCAN. Great Harvest is located at 1711 Centre Plaza, Alexandria, VA 22302.
> Learn more about Great Harvest Bread Company
May 14, 2009
Letter to the Editor from SCAN runs in The Arlington Connection and the Alexandria Times
A reflection on the month of April and SCAN's new campaign to have more community members "pause for a child," the letter ran in a number of local newspapers.
> Read the letter in the Alexandria Times here
> Read the letter in The Arlington Connection here
May 2, 2009
Letter to the Editor from SCAN runs in The News & Messenger
A reflection on the month of April and SCAN's new campaign to have more community members "pause for a child," the letter ran in the new Prince William Area News & Messenger.
> Read the full letter here
April 16, 2009
“Child Abuse Spikes as U.S. Economy Founders” Reports Reuters Newswire
National news agency Reuters reports on the nationwide increase of child abuse caused by effects of economic stress on families.
> Read the Reuters article here
April 15, 2009
Commonwealth Releases Press Release Highlighting SCAN’s Pause for a Child Campaign
In the press release announcing Governor Tim Kaine’s declaration of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia DSS highlighted SCAN’s new public education campaign, Pause for a Child, and included a live link to the new website created by SCAN.
> Read the official press release here
April 1, 2009
SCAN Hosts 7th Annual Allies in Prevention Awards Luncheon
Campaign Sponsor Verizon helped SCAN and the Allies in Prevention Coalition honor 5 individuals for going above and beyond in their efforts to protect children and support families in Northern Virginia. Dr. Robert G. Templin, President of Northern Virginia Community College, serves as Keynote Speaker. NBC4’s Julie Carey presented the awards to the day’s honorees.
> Learn more about the event
March 24, 2009
SCAN's CASA Program Welcomes 19 New CASA Volunteers
Showing tremendous dedication and commitment, each volunteer underwent a thorough screening process including background checks, 30 hours of training, panel interviews, and courtroom observations. At the swearing-in ceremony, Alexandria Chief Judge Constance Frogale, Alexandria Judge Uley Norris Damiani, and Arlington County Judge George Varoutsos each commended the volunteers for their willingness to give of their time and commit themselves to such an important program in children's lives. Special Guest Speaker Debra Collins, Alexandria Assistant City Manager, highlighted the importance of working together in order to improve the lives of children. We welcome Anabel Amaya, Tiffany Banks, Nairuby Beckles, Sandra Boodman, Heidi Burkhardt, Monica Dolin, Craig Fifer, Linda Franz, David Garmon, Melissa Haydel, Sonia Hernandez, Melissa Keaster, Cory Kutcher, Tina Martin, Christina McMahon, Natasha Patel, Skip Perry, Jannise Randall, and Tosha Washington!
> Learn more about the CASA Program
February 27, 2009
SCAN’s Letter to the Editor runs in the Arlington Connection
A recent article in the Arlington Connection reported on Freddie Mac’s announcement that it would continue to fund nonprofits across the region.
> Read SCAN’s Letter to the Editor here
February 1, 2009
CASA Volunteer Tim Stock Profiled on "We’re All Arlington" News Show
Longtime CASA volunteer Tim Stock talks about his own experiences as a CASA volunteer in this community news segment.
> Watch the video here
January 20, 2009
Diane Charles Receives All American Hero Award at the All American Inaugural Ball hosted by HiBall Events
HiBall Events hosted the Metromix All American Inaugural Ball, where Congressman Mike McIntyre of North Carolina
(Legislator of the Year), was recognized for his tremendous service to the country, and in particular for his advocacy on
behalf of U.S. Veterans. He also presented several "All American Hero" awards to other recipients, including BUZZ ALDRIN:
Astronaut/Moon-walker and DIANE CHARLES: Executive Director, Stop Child Abuse Now of Northern Virginia.
January 19, 2009
SCAN Launches New Video on YouTube
Thanks in part to support from AT&T, SCAN has developed a new multimedia presentation to inform
and inspire new communities about SCAN. You can watch the video on the SCAN homepage,
or directly on YouTube here.
January 15, 2009
SCAN Board Member Tiffany Payne testifies at Virginia Budget Committee Hearing
Tiffany Payne, MSW, SCAN's Board Secretary, recently testified at a Virginia House Appropriations and Senate Finance hearing. She requested that leaders consider the increased need for family and prevention services in times of economic hardship:
"...child abuse and neglect rates in most Northern Virginia jurisdictions increased in the fall months of 2008 compared to the same time a year before. Fairfax County has reported an increase of 23% and Arlington has reported an increase of 38%.Child abuse hotlines are also hearing the stresses of parenting...
"This is just the time when support for parents and caregivers is most needed. This is not the time to cut back on services. It is the time to raise awareness and remind parents and families that they are not alone; that there are ways to work with their children and ways to keep children safe."
> Learn more about Child Abuse and Neglect Policy & Statistics
January 6, 2009
SCAN submits Letter to the Editor to Washington Post following report on dramatic increase of child abuse and neglect due to economy
SCAN Board President Kim Fiske recently submitted a Letter to the Editor of the Washington Post in response to an
article first published on December 29th:
Donna St. George’s December 29th article Child Neglect Cases Multiply As Economic Woes Spread served as an important reminder in times like these: prevention programs are more important now than ever before. As Ms. St. George notes, reports of child abuse and neglect are up. Domestic violence is on the rise. Families across our region are in critical need of support. But not all hope is lost. We can do something about it... READ FULL LETTER HERE.
December 1, 2008
SCAN posts Holiday Wish List
Every year, SCAN’s programs touch the lives of more than 1,500 children and families in Northern Virginia.
Much of that interaction is through our playgroups and children’s programs that accompany parenting classes and
parent support groups. SCAN always welcomes in-kind gifts to support these special programs.
> See SCAN’s Holiday Wish List
October 30, 2008
The Alexandria Times Profiles SCAN in article “Supporting Children’s Most Vital Supporters”
Local newspaper covers SCAN’s 20th anniversary, highlighting the organization’s commitment to children and impact on the community for two decades.
> Read the full article here
October 23, 2008
Betsy Fisher 3rd Annual Fundraiser for SCAN
DC fashion boutique Betsy Fisher hosted Cocktail Convergence... Where Friends & Trends Mingle, raising more than $2,000
to support SCAN’s child abuse prevention programs. The evening offered fantastic fashion, food and support for SCAN.
Pictures coming soon!
October 2, 2008
WJLA-7 visits SCAN office, interviews Diane Charles regarding Freddie Mac’s affect on Local Charities
Channel 7’s Gail Pennybacker interviewed SCAN’s Executive Director Diane Charles regarding the impact of the Freddie Mac Foundation’s funding.
September 26, 2008
The Connection Newspapers interview Diane Charles in article Freddie Mac Troubles Affect Charities
The Freddie Mac Foundation was the largest corporate funder of non-profit organizations in the Washington D.C. region. Last year, the foundation gave approximately $25 million to local non-profits, including SCAN. Reporter David Schulz interviewed a number of nonprofit representatives, including SCAN Executive Director Diane Charles.
> Read the complete article here
September 18, 2008
SCAN's CASA Program Director and Volunteer discuss "achieving diversity" with the Chronicle of Philanthropy
In a special report, the Chronicle of Philanthropy discussed how nonprofits across the country are improving efforts to recruit a more diverse volunteer base. Reporter Eman Quotah spoke with Alexandria/Arlington CASA Director Carrie Cannon and CASA Volunteer Milagros Mateau for their perspectives on recruiting diverse volunteers as child advocates in the court system.
> Read the complete article here
September 7, 2008
Gail Ledford, PhD, receives The 2008 Cleary Award
SCAN Board Member Gail Ledford was recognized for her commitment, compassion and courage for SCAN
and the children and families it serves with the 2008 Cleary Award. Gail has served on SCAN’s
Board for 14 years, and has played countless roles in its growth and success.
> Read more about Gail and The Cleary Award
July 2008
Honoring the Life of SCAN Honorary Board Member Senator Joseph V. Gartlan
SCAN celebrates the life of Honorary Board Member Senator Joseph V. Gartlan, who passed away in late July.
> Read more about his incredible contributions to our community and commitment to Virginia
June 2008
SCAN’s Alexandria/Arlington CASA Program Welcomes 19 New Volunteers
SCAN's Alexandria/Arlington CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Program swore in 19 new volunteers this month to advocate
for abused and neglected children in the local court system. This new group of volunteers is the most ethnically and culturally
diverse class SCAN has ever had, a tribute to recent efforts to recruit and train a more diverse volunteer base. Please help us
welcome Nancy Beronja, Celika Bonivento, Donna Brazier, Ricky Brown, Christine Chambers, Donya Dickerson, Patricia Douglas,
Jennifer Gillyard, Sandra Hayes, Claudia Hinojosa, Traci Jenkins, Lindee Lenox, Shakira Mack, Kara Moore, Melina Olmo, Margot Paz,
Jamila Shand, Lana Shawa, and David Hwa.
> Learn more about SCAN’s CASA Program
June 30, 2008
DC Examiner Profiles SCAN and Diane Charles
Columnist Susan Ferrechio interviewed Diane Charles, SCAN's Executive Director, for a discussion on how we reach parents and why SCAN's Parent Education is so important.
> Read the article here
June 17, 2008
SCAN’s Allies in Prevention Coalition held its quarterly meeting at the Cascades Library in Loudoun County.
Donna Vanik with Loudoun County Public Schools - Head Start gave a presentation and fact sheets in English and Spanish were
developed on “The Power of Play,” which was the topic for the meeting.
> Learn more about the Coalition here.
June 4, 2008
16 Parents Graduate from Los ABCs para Padres en Español
SCAN’s popular ABCs of Parenting series once again provided information and support to parents in Northern Virginia.
This spring session for Spanish-speaking familias enjoyed more than 20 parent participants and 29 children, a record!
> Learn more about SCAN's Parenting Classes here
June 3, 2008
Prince William County Recognizes SCAN for 20 Years of Changing Children’s Lives
The Prince William County Board of Supervisors presented SCAN with an official proclamation in honor of SCAN’s 20th anniversary.
SCAN staff, board members and Allies in Prevention Coalition members were on hand to accept the honor.
June 2, 2008
SCAN’s 12th Annual Golf Tournament, Tee-Off Fore Children & Families, Raises $46,000 to Support SCAN’s Programs
On a beautiful day at Westfields Golf Course, 100 golfers and more than 40 other friends of SCAN came out for a day of golf,
a silent auction and an awards dinner. The day raised a record-breaking $46,000 that will provide essential support for SCAN’s
Parent Education, Public Education and Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Programs. Special thanks to Masters Cup Sponsors
Argon ST and FBR Capital Markets.
> See results from the Golf Tournament here
> View a photo gallery of the event here
May 27, 2008
City of Alexandria Presents SCAN with Official Proclamation in Honor of 20th Anniversary
SCAN board members, staff and supporters were present to receive an official proclamation from the Alexandria City Council
recognizing SCAN’s 20 years of commitment to protecting and supporting the children and families of Northern Virginia.
> View a photo of the event here
May 19, 2008
Alexandria/Arlington CASA Program Staff, Volunteers Join National CASA in “Forgotten Children” Event on National Mall
CASA Program staff and volunteers went downtown today to be a part of the National CASA Association’s “Forgotten Children” event.
Every day on average another 850 children quietly enter the nation’s foster care system under a veil of confidentiality, commonly
due to suspected abuse or neglect. The “Forgotten Children” event, along with a coordinating study, aimed to give a voice to these
“Forgotten Children” – while still preserving their privacy. Since underaged foster children cannot appear for themselves, life-sized,
cut-out photos took their place in the shadows of the Washington Monument on the National Mall– at the pace of 850 per day.
These surrogates carried messages from foster children, all drawn from a study that captures the voices of 100 foster youth across
the nation.
> View a photo gallery from this event
May 13, 2008
19 New Volunteers Join SCAN’s CASA Program in Most Diverse Class Ever Sworn In
SCAN's Alexandria/Arlington CASA Program recently swore in 19 new volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the local court system.
This new group of volunteers is the most ethnically and culturally diverse class SCAN has ever had, a tribute to recent efforts to recruit and train a more diverse volunteer base.
Please help us welcome Nancy Beronja, Celika Bonivento, Donna Brazier, Ricky Brown, Christine Chambers, Donya Dickerson, Patricia Douglas, Jennifer Gillyard, Sandra Hayes, Claudia Hinojosa, Traci Jenkins, Lindee Lenox, Shakira Mack, Kara Moore, Melina Olmo, Margot Paz, Jamila Shand, Lana Shawa, and David Hwa.
> Learn more about SCAN’s Alexandria/Arlington CASA Program
April 28, 2008
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Recognizes SCAN for 20 Years of Changing Children’s Lives
On April 28, SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) of Northern Virginia was recognized by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for
its 20th anniversary. Founded in 1988 to serve the growing and diverse communities of Northern Virginia, SCAN seeks to
promote the wellbeing of children, improve parent-child relations and prevent child abuse and neglect. In the last year
SCAN has directly touched the lives of more than 1,400 children and families through parenting classes, parent support groups,
advocacy and outreach.
> Read more about the event on the Fairfax County website.
> View a photo from the event here.
April 25, 2008
Alexandria Police Chief and Officers Volunteer to Help SCAN at Spring for Alexandria
Alexandria Police Chief David Baker, Deputy Chief Earl Cook and Deputy Chief Blaine Corle volunteered their time on Spring for
Alexandria day taking SCAN’s new Blue Ribbon Campaign posters to retail establishments throughout the City. Their efforts will
help SCAN spread a message of parenting support and abuse prevention to families throughout Alexandria, in both English and Spanish.
> View a photo gallery of the event.
April 23, 2008
SCAN Executive Director Diane Charles’ Letter to the Editor Comments on CDC’s Recent Child Abuse Study
In mid-April, the Centers for Disease Control released a new study on the incidence of child abuse in infants. Diane Charles
commented on the findings—and reactions—to the report in an Letter to the Editor that appeared in the Alexandria Gazette,
the Arlington Connection and Mount Vernon Connection.
> Read the Letter here.
April 26, 2008
Local Teenager Rallies Support and Raises Fund to Help SCAN
Fairfax County student Alexamarie Allen, an eighth grader at Glasgow Middle School, has a real passion to end child abuse.
While researching on the internet, she came across the heart wrenching story of Kelsey Briggs, a child who died of abuse before
her third birthday. “She really touched my heart” says Alexamarie, “It’s not right! I just knew I had to do something to help
children like Kelsey and stop them from being hurt!” Alexamarie and her mother contacted SCAN to learn more about how they could help in their community.
> Read their story here.
> See WJLA Channel 7 coverage of the story here.
April 7, 2008
Ann Caulkins Honored by Governor’s Advisory Board
CASA Case Supervisor Ann Caulkins was honored
by the Governor’s Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect for her many years of commitment to
the prevention, intervention and treatment of child abuse and neglect.
> Read The Alexandria Times article on Ann’s award here.
April 2, 2008
SCAN hosts 6th annual Allies in Prevention Awards Luncheon
SCAN and the Allies in Prevention Coalition hosted the 6th Annual Allies in Prevention Awards Luncheon, with keynote speaker Ralph Smith of the Annie E. Casey Foundation and special guest Alison Starling from ABC7 News.
> Read more about this event.
> View the Photo Gallery.
March 17, 2008
Virginia Senate passes resolution commending SCAN on its 20th anniversary
The Commonwealth’s Senate and House of Delegates passed a joint resolution to honor SCAN for 20 years of commitment to protect the
child and support the families of Northern Virginia.
> Read the resolution here.
February 7, 2008
SCAN’s ABCs of Parenting Class in English began on February 7th
More available in the SCAN News Archive