LACASA Center’s CAP (Child Abuse Prevention) Council and Great Start Livingston invite community members to nominate someone who makes a difference in the life of a child to be recognized as a local Champion for Children.
As a part of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, these organizations want to celebrate those who go above and beyond to help children, and whose positive impact is reflected in the lives of the children and families around them.
“This year we are making a few changes to the Champion for Children presentation,” said LACASA’s Director of Family Prevention and Education Holly Naylor, “Every year we receive amazing nominations that show there are no limits to the ways to support children. We want to recognize more than one person each year as a testament to the many ways our community is active in lifting up children and families.”
“This program offers a meaningful opportunity for community members to recognize local heroes who exceed expectations and genuinely care for our youth,” said Great Start Livingston Coordinator Robin Schutz, “We invite caring citizens to nominate outstanding individuals who devote themselves to improving children’s lives.”
Once nominations are submitted, a selection committee of community members will review the nominees and choose this year’s award recipients.
“Child abuse prevention is so much more than just identifying and protecting kids in abusive homes,” said Naylor. “Being a stable, encouraging adult for a child experiencing turmoil, dropping off groceries to a family in need, and reaching out to parents who are struggling are all prevention efforts that can make a huge impact on a child’s life but often go unrecognized. The CAP Council and Great Start Livingston invite you to shine a light on the people you know who support and strengthen children and families so that we can all thank them for their dedication.”
The 2024 Champion for Children winners will be recognized at the Plant a Pinwheel Celebration at noon on Wednesday, April 3, at the Howell Carnegie Library. This year, the nominators of the selected Champions for Children will be invited to attend the celebration and take part in honoring the nominee.
“This special moment will empower the nominator to share firsthand how their champion has impacted children’s lives. The presentation enables them to convey powerful stories which elevate the honoree’s inspirational work. We look forward to this recognition of the nominators and the Champion for Children recipients,” said Schutz.
LACASA’s CAP Council and Great Start Livingston strongly encourage anyone submitting a nomination to make sure April 3 is cleared on their calendars in anticipation of attending this event. Nominators will receive advance notification that their nominee was chosen as an award recipient.
If you know a nominee for Champion for Children, please submit the nomination form to the CAP Council atcapcouncil@lacasacenter.org or call (517) 548-1350 for more information.
Nominations will be accepted through Monday, March 18, 2024.
To nominate an individual, visit https://lacasacenter.org/champion-for-children-award-nominations-sought/
The CAP Council is a program of LACASA and is a designated local council of Children Trust Michigan. CAP programs are funded, in part, by the Livingston County United Way.
The Great Start Collaborative of Livingston County is a partnership of early childhood experts, parents and community organizations who work together to ensure Livingston County children are prepared to succeed in school and in life.
