We can help abused children achieve justice and healing.

My name is Mel Coronado and thank you for taking the time to read through my fundraising page!

All the funds you help me raise will be donated to CALICO! They go towards a $500 admission donation that solidifies my part in CALICO's team at the Oakland Running Festival which will be held on March 22, 2020.

What is CALICO? CALICO (Child Abuse Listening, Interviewing and Coordination Center), Alameda County’s only child advocacy center. Our overall mission is to achieve justice for abused children and their families. Since 1997, CALICO’s has served as a multi-disciplinary junction for police officers, child welfare workers, prosecutors and professionals whom respond collaboratively to child abuse allegations. CALICO has opened its doors to helping on average 800 children per year, between ages 2 and 17 years old, and a majority of the cases involved are children whom have suffered sexual abuse. CALICO provides the services necessary to help these children overcome the trauma they have experienced and on a road towards recovery.

Why do I volunteer my time at CALICO?I have chosen to help a cause I believe in. One of the most difficult subjects to discuss is child abuse and the impact it may have on a small child or teen. For those who know me well, they have heard me speak about my own personal challenges of overcoming the abuse I endured as a child. Looking back, if I had spoken out and received help to overcome the hurdles I faced at an early age, I would have accepted the pain and most likely begun recovering from my trauma - early rather than later in life. I know this to be a fact. This past January, I found a long note my mother wrote to me at the age off twenty-two. Her letter heavily impacted me and I will share an excerpt. “Don’t look back and think this happened to me, even though I know it is extremely hard, think of what you can do with your life after this. You have so much to give, give, get involved and sort things out.” This is the reason why I volunteer and ask for my family, friends, and colleagues to support me in raising money for CALICO. I believe any child who has unfortunately experienced childhood trauma deserves the opportunity to receive the support necessary to develop a healthy life.

Please help me support the staff at CALCIO who work tirelessly for the children and families who walk through their door. Just a small donation will go a long way to helping me meet my goal for CALICO and the children it serves.

Much Love,

Mel