LACASA Center’s CAP (Child Abuse Prevention) Council and the Great Start Collaborative are asking Livingston County residents to consider who is a Champion for Children in our community.
“So many people in Livingston County make children a true priority in their lives,” said CAP Council Coordinator Holly Naylor. “We want to recognize someone who goes above and beyond to make this a wonderful place to grow up, and thank them for their dedication to our kids.”
The CAP Council is accepting nominations for the 2019 Champion for Children award through March 18.
Nominees may be a person whose love of children is evident in the work they do, or in the way they spend their extra time. The winner could be someone who volunteers to mentor children, provides a safe foster care home, or advocates for vulnerable kids. Past recipients have been educators, coaches, public employees, foster parents, child care providers, and community volunteers.
Last year’s winner was Gus Ventrone, a Vietnam veteran who works at Navigator Upper Elementary School in Pinckney, whose nomination letter included words of appreciation and support from five teachers and 65 students.
“Mr. Ventrone represents exactly what we are looking for in a Champion for Children. He has impacted hundreds of children and families and demonstrated the power that many small actions over time can have in helping to create a community that values and supports children,” said Naylor. “We know there are more Champions for Children out there, we just need the community’s help to find them.”
“Great Start Livingston is partnering with the CAP council to recognize our Champion for Children,” said Robin Schutz, Great Start Livingston coordinator. “Supporting families and children is the focus of our efforts. With this award, we are able to acknowledge those who work tirelessly to make a difference for our Livingston County children and families.”
The person chosen as the 2019 Champion for Children will be recognized at the CAP Council’s annual Plant a Pinwheel Celebration, which kicks-off National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
This event will be held at noon on Wednesday, April 3, at the Howell Carnegie Public Library. In addition to the Champion for Children award presentation, a children’s choir will perform, speakers will discuss child abuse awareness issues, and guests will be invited to help children plant a pinwheel garden along the library’s front walkway.
“The Pinwheels for Prevention campaign is all about the Power of One,” said Naylor. “One person, one action, one dollar can all work together to help keep children safe. So, Child Abuse Prevention Month is the perfect time to recognize someone who lives the Champion for Children example for us all.”
If you know a Champion for Children, submit the nomination form to the CAP Council at hnaylor@lacasacenter.org or call (517) 548-1350 for more information. Nominations will be accepted through Monday, March 18, 2019.
The CAP Council is a program of LACASA and is a designated local council of the Michigan Children’s Trust Fund. 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 that Livingston County children are prepared to succeed in school and in life.
