Advocates of The Firecracker Foundation represent the organization in the community as ambassadors at public events. 

As an organization that serves and advocates for children who have suffered abuse, we have decided that it is very important that those allowed to act as Firecracker representatives within the community are free and clear of any and all charges of child abuse and neglect. 

If you would like to become an Advocate, start by completing the Volunteer Application. You are also required to obtain a DHS Central Registry Clearance as well as proof that you are not included on either State or Federal Sex Offender registries. To obtain these please visit both www.nsopw.gov and www.mipsor.state.mi.us. Enter your first and last name, agree to the terms of use, and click search. Please print the resulting search page from each respective website and send to info@thefirecrackerfoundation.org.

You will be provided with two opportunities for Orientation and Basic Training a year (Spring/Fall). After attending Orientation and Basic Training, you may be invited to join the Pediatric Medical Advocacy Team (PMAT).

PMAT is a highly trained group of volunteers who provide medical advocacy services to children and families during specialized medical care and forensic examination after experiencing sexual
assault. The responsibility of PMAT is to listen, to empathize, and to ensure the survivor’s needs are met to the fullest extent possible. Advocates connect children and families with invaluable community resources and services that address the aftermath of sexual trauma and encourage healing and recovery.

PMAT volunteers must complete 20 additional hours of training, be approved by Foundation staff, attend meetings and additional trainings throughout the year, and abide by all advocacy policies and procedures.

Our first priority will always be the safety of children and the sustainability of the programs we create to support their healing. We recognize that this process will not screen out perpetrators with absolute accuracy.  

Therefore, no member of The Firecracker Foundation Advocacy & Volunteer Team will be allowed to work with beneficiaries of therapeutic services under the age of 18 independent of employed or contracted staff.

If you have questions, feel free to send an email to Carol Bourne at cbourne@thefirecrackerfoundation.org and she will happily answer your questions.

Thank you for giving your time to serve the children of The Firecracker Foundation.