Cricket Andrews: Triumph Over Trauma and Advocacy for Missing Children
Survivors get it because we've been there, we've been through it, and here you'll find people who are willing to share with you their story too, and perhaps some of the things that worked and didn't work for them, and nobody will force you to do anything.
Cricket Andrews' story is one of incredible resilience and advocacy. Growing up in Easton, Pennsylvania, Cricket faced neglect from alcoholic parents and abuse in foster care. Her journey through these hardships is a testament to her strength and determination to make a difference. In this episode of 'Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN)', Cricket opens up about her experiences and her current role as a Guardian Angel and Lead Advocate for CFSI Missing (Center for Search & Investigations).
Cricket's advocacy work is nothing short of inspiring. She works tirelessly to bring missing children home safely, emphasizing the alarming statistic that over 2,100 children go missing each day in the US, with a third becoming victims of child trafficking. CFSI’s high success rate in locating children aged 11-16 is a beacon of hope for many families, and Cricket's dedication plays a significant role in this effort. During the episode, Cricket discusses the importance of community support and awareness.
She urges listeners to be vigilant about the signs of abuse and to get involved in advocacy work. Whether it's participating in grid searches, canvassing neighborhoods, or spreading awareness through social media, every bit of effort counts. Cricket also sheds light on the struggles foster children face when acclimating to new environments. She talks about the lack of life skills she was taught and how it affected her ability to navigate the world.
Her story underscores the need for more resources and support for survivors of abuse. Throughout the conversation, the impact of trauma on family relationships and the role of addiction in coping with trauma are explored. Cricket emphasizes the value of being part of a supportive community where survivors can share their stories and learn from each other’s experiences. She highlights the importance of opening up about trauma and finding ways to heal.
The episode wraps up with a call-to-action for listeners to become advocates for children and survivors of abuse. Cricket’s message is clear: “Survivors get it because we've been there, we've been through it, and here you'll find people who are willing to share their story too.” Tune in to hear Cricket’s powerful journey and learn how you can make a difference.