Nominations Open for Annual ‘Champion of Children’ Awards
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WHEELING -- Nominees are being sought for the annual Deborah Doleski Allen Champion of Children Awards, an accolade that recognizes and honors individuals that have demonstrated dedication to ensuring children and families thrive.
The Champion of Children Awards highlight those outstanding individuals who, through their selfless commitment, have made a significant impact on the lives of children in our community. Whether through education, mentorship, volunteering, or other forms of support, these individuals embody the spirit of championing youngsters' well-being.
"When you think about happy, healthy, thriving children in Ohio County, what comes to mind? The smiles, the laughs, the learning, the experiences? Now think about the adults in our community who are right there alongside those joyful children," said Claudia Raymer, executive director for the Ohio County Family Resource Network. "We are seeking nominations for those unsung heroes who go above and beyond to create a positive impact on the lives of Ohio County children and families."
Nominations for the Deborah Doleski Allen Champion of Children Awards will be accepted until March 8. To nominate someone, people are encouraged to visit www.ocfrn.com and complete the online form.
The Ohio County Partners in Prevention Team will review the nominations the following week, and the three honorees will be notified after.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. April 26 and is free and open to the public.
Nominators will have the opportunity to share inspiring stories about the nominee's contributions to the well-being of children and families in Ohio County.
"If your candidate is honored, you will be invited to read your nomination during the ceremony in April, providing a heartfelt opportunity to publicly acknowledge their exceptional efforts," Raymer said.
Any inquiries can be directed to OhioCountyFRN@yahoo.com with the subject line "Champion of Children Nomination."
Raymer said the Champion of Children Awards in Ohio County were presented in 2010 by the Ohio County Partners in Prevention Team, with Deborah Doleski Allen serving as Team Leader.
"She was also the longtime executive director for the Ohio County Family Resource Network," she said. "Deb passed away unexpectedly in her sleep in December of 2010. In 2011, this award was renamed The Deborah Doleski Allen Award for Outstanding Efforts in the Lives of Young Children, in memory of her contributions.
"The team would later broaden the scope of the award beyond impacting the lives of young children and the award became the Deborah Doleski Allen Champion of Children Award."
Raymer feels fortunate that she got to know Allen.
"I was fortunate to have known and worked with her and had big shoes to fill when I became executive director for the Ohio County Family Resource Network almost 13 years ago," she said. "Deb had two children, now successful young adults, and a husband who adored her."
Raymer said it is important to recognize people annually for their hard work.
"It's not uncommon for people to experience burnout and we want these exceptional individuals to know their efforts are seen and appreciated," she said. "The award brings public attention to the significant contributions of individuals in the community.
Raymer said she wants people to know that "child abuse is preventable."
"The research continues to show that increasing protective factors results in thriving families and healthier communities," she said. "We believe in parents. We know parenting is hard and it can be even harder when living in poverty. The more we all spread information about resources, supports, events, and services along with ideas about how to help families without judgment, the better off our community can be."
Raymer said the Ohio County Partners in Prevention was one of the first PIP Teams in the state in 2003. It was funded as an initiative of Team for WV Children.
"There are now 50 PIP Teams in West Virginia. The model is based on the belief that child well-being hinges on the capacity of local communities to support families and protect children," she said. "Our Ohio County PIP Team is comprised of more than 20 organizations plus community representatives. We provide training to help professionals implement evidence based child abuse prevention programs, and do large scale awareness events throughout April which is Child Abuse Prevention Month."
Those events include Pinwheels for Prevention, a nationwide symbol for happy, healthy childhoods; Wear Blue Day April 5 when community awareness is raised by wearing blue; and training series.