Michigan Voices

Fighting Child Abuse and Celebrating Detroit's Landmark Organization Vista Maria

Episode Summary

April 28, 2024 ~ As of 2020, almost four million children were involved in abuse investigations in America. More than 618,000 children were found to be victims of abuse or neglect. At least one in seven children have experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year in the United States. Dr. Kelly Levasseur, Medical Director of Pediatric Emergency at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, talks about the signs to look for in children who may be victims of abuse and what people can do about it. There are dozens of landmark organizations in the Detroit area and among the oldest is Vista Maria in Dearborn Heights. It began more than 140 years ago as a home for girls and women in crisis. It has evolved into an organization meeting the needs of those who need mental health services, foster care, adoption services, and survivors of human trafficking. CEO Megan Zambiasi joins the show to talk about the mission of Vista Maria and their gala slated for May 16th.