As we close out FY25 and prepare for FY26, I find myself filled with gratitude for everything we’ve accomplished together and excitement for what’s to come. This year, we’ve made incredible strides in our mission to protect children from sexual abuse, and I am taking this moment to reflect on some of the highlights.
Welcoming New Team Members
We’re thrilled to announce the addition of two new members to our team who will help propel our work forward in FY26.
- Chris Keathley, our new Business Growth Director, comes with a wealth of experience and will play a key role in expanding our reach, building partnerships, and increasing the sustainability of our programs.
- Sara Scruggs, our new Social Media Associate, will help us connect with even more people and amplify our message through creative, engaging digital content.
With these talented humans joining our team, we’re ready to take on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Strengthening Partnerships and Community Connections
This year, we had the privilege of engaging in person with our partners at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) during our in-person board meeting. It was a powerful reminder that we are not alone in this fight.
Alongside other organizations like the National Exchange Club, Charleston Exchange Club, Isle of Palm Exchange Club and Daniel Island, and special friends and supporters like ConsentParenting, we stand, ever aware of the life-changing nature of our work.
Expanding Our Reach and Impact
One of the most exciting milestones of this year has been the launch of the Spanish version of our Stewards of Children® program–Guardianes de Los Niños®. This initiative has been a game-changer, and in the Fall, we will begin recruiting new Spanish-speaking Facilitators. We have already onboarded about 40 of our current bilingual Spanish-speaking Facilitators and are set to expand our impact! Additionally, we’ve onboarded 5 new Instructors, including 2 Spanish-speaking Instructors. These leaders are committed to empowering others with the knowledge and tools they need to protect children in their communities. We’re incredibly proud of the growing network of Facilitators and Instructors who are helping us create safer spaces for kids everywhere.
A Powerful Year of Training and Outreach
In just one year, we’ve been able to equip nearly 40,000 adults with the critical skills they need to protect the children in their lives and that’s not even counting the 523 new Facilitators who are poised to further empower the adults in their communities and organizations! This is a huge accomplishment, and it’s all thanks to the incredible work of our network, our partners, and of course, our hard-working internal team.
We received generous support from Direct Relief, which will allow us to make our peer-to-peer abuse prevention training and online safety training available in FY26. This support is invaluable as we continue to broaden our reach and enhance our educational offerings. Stay tuned later this year for a message from our team: FY26: Here’s What We’re Excited About!
Staying Grounded in Our Mission
As we navigate the tumultuous times we’re living in, we are reminded that protecting children must always remain a priority. In times of uncertainty, we come together – not just as organizations, but as a collective of responsible, caring adults dedicated to creating healthy generations of children.
At Darkness to Light, we believe that prevention is possible. Through trauma-informed, culturally sensitive programming, we bring the best practices in child safety to communities across the globe. And in FY26 we’re looking forward to connecting even more with communities, empowering more adults, and ultimately ending child sexual abuse. Whether you’ve been with us for years or are just getting started, your role in this movement is vital.
Together, we can continue to protect children, support families, and foster a culture of care and responsibility.
