Together with You,
Building Safe, Stable and Nurturing
Families and Communities
for both Our Present and Our Future |
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For Immediate Release
10 Ferry Street, Suite 315
Concord, NH 03301 |
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NH CHILDREN'S TRUST FUND Announcement:
2010 Unsung Hero Awards Winners
Governor Lynch in Attendance |
Concord NH:
On February 17 in the Governor and Council Chambers at the NH State House, with Governor John Lynch, the New Hampshire Children's Trust Fund/Prevent Child Abuse New Hampshire honored 28 parents, one for each day of the month. With close to 150 people in attendance, Governor Lynch issued a proclamation declaring February as Parent Recognition month, acknowledging that more parents each year are developing vital partnerships with service providers, policymakers, and key stakeholders to shape policy and serve as responsible role models for parents across the state, creating safer communities for children.
Governor Lynch was quoted as saying,
"My most important job is being a father. If I don't do that right nothing else matters."
Following the ceremony a reception was held with Max, the mascot for the NH Monarchs, greeting the awardees and their families.
The following 28 parents were recognized for the vital role they play in serving as role models for other parents and caregivers in order to help strengthen families and communities and to prevent child abuse and neglect:
Click on each winner to view website photo.
Pam is the nurturing parent of seven children, four of whom are adopted, and is a continual advocate for quality care and education.
Janet is the caring, single mother of three children, one of whom has significant medical needs. Despite setbacks and struggles, Janet is devoted to ensuring that her children receive the help and support that they need to succeed in all facets of their lives.
JoAnn is a loving parent to three biological children and one step-child. Starting out as a teen parent, JoAnn faced struggles, but never let them get the best of her. She has since obtained a college degree in Human Services and is an active volunteer in her community. Her dedication to children and families is truly amazing.
Judy is not only a loving and devoted mother, but also an active member of her community, volunteering in her local church and school and serving as a member or leader of several organizations, including Girl Scouts, Gilford Athletic Boosters, and Gilford Parents of Performing Arts Students.
Joyce raised her five children, including one son with special needs, through times of great economic struggle, and at a time when inclusion was not the standard for children with special needs. Although she faced adversity, she always did whatever she could to make sure that her children received the best services and education possible. Even now, Joyce is her son's biggest advocate, continually making sure that he is receiving the highest quality of care.
Mandy is the single mother of two beautiful girls, and a full-time college student. She is always willing to assist others in need, which is evidenced by her active involvement in her community and the care she provides for her aging grandmother. Despite great adversity, she can always be found with a smile on her face and a positive attitude.
Ella and Robert have been the custodial parents of their four grandchildren for the past five years. They are very active in their community, care for several members of their extended family, and volunteer frequently in the Plymouth Head Start. Despite their limited resources, they remain upbeat and positive, and refuse to give up.
Amy is the devoted mother of two children, one of whom was diagnosed with a very rare neuro-genetic disorder called Angelman Syndrome. Having faced great loss and hardship, Amy is the epitome of a dedicated and strong parent.
Mary Jo is the loving mother of three children, a devoted wife, and an active participant in her children's school and the larger community. She always puts other's needs in front of her own. As her nominator, Irene Amsbary said, she is the "parent we all wish we had".
Alan is remarkably invested in his step-son's education and an active member of the Newport Head Start's Parent Association. He also serves for our country.
Cabrinni is a compassionate and active member of her children's lives, always working to meet their individual needs in order to help them reach their highest potential. Her nominator, Maureen Gross wrote: "Her energy, enthusiasm, and dedication make her an inspiration to others".
Kristina is a dedicated and loving mother to her daughter who has been diagnosed with a mild form of autism. She is also her daughter's biggest advocate, as well as an advocate for and supporter of other parents who have children with disabilities through her commitment to informing parents of their rights and striving to make their needs known.
Having arrived from Somalia five years ago, Batulo was determined to ensure that her six children would succeed in their new environment despite adversity, while remaining true to their culture. She has shown amazing resilience in her continual efforts to bring her four year old son to America, organizing fundraising events, working on her own literacy, and pursuing citizenship.
Bobbi-Jo is the biological mother of two and has raised her three step-children as her own. Despite having her hands full, she is actively involved in her children's activities and is attending college classes part-time with the hopes of becoming an elementary school teacher.
Daniel and Julie are the parents of four biological children and four recently adopted children. They have also opened their home to many foster children for the past nine years and as their nominator, Jan Millis said, they "always put family first".
Christine is the devoted mother of one son and an active member in his care and education. She has also recently completed her degree in Nursing.
Kenyang is the dedicated father of three young children. As a Sudanese refugee, Kenyang has worked hard to attain citizenship and has become a remarkable leader in the Refugee Community, continually striving to set an example of peace and nonviolence.
Jennifer and Robert have been licensed foster care providers since 2001, and have provided a safe and loving home for eighteen children including seven sibling groups. They work closely with birth parents and the State of New Hampshire to create optimum outcomes for the children in their care, and are also actively involved in their community.
Conni is the mother of many adoptive children and caregiver to children in foster care. She is a dedicated advocate for all of her children and does her best to make every moment fun.
Michelle is a loving mother of three children who continually sets a great example through her community service and care for others.
Ruth is a native of England, and the devoted single mother of two children, who recognizes the need for consistency and security in their lives. Despite struggles, Ruth always puts her family first and remains an optimistic and caring parent.
Lori is the mother of two sons with Muscular Dystrophy and one daughter. She is her children's biggest advocate, always exhibiting the utmost perseverance and strength. She also strives to help other parents facing challenges.
Jeffrey is a compassionate biological, adoptive and foster parent, as well as a loving husband. Nominated by his wife, Tammy, Jeffrey "has always approached marriage as a team player" and "puts his family first in all that he does".
Cheryl is a committed mother of two who has taught her children to emphasize their strengths rather than their weaknesses. She is a very active member of her community and supports her aging parents in their times of need.
Lynne is a mother who has continually strived to be the best parent she can be, by attending as many classes and programs as possible. Despite personal struggles, she has always made the best of her situation and now works to help other parents in need. Her strength and unconditional love are truly inspiring.
The 2010 Unsung Hero Awards celebration was sponsored by:
Byrne Foundation
Cabot Creamery
Chalifour's Flowers
Circle of Parents, Child and Family Services
Department of Family Studies at UNH
Division for Children, Youth and Families
Early Learning New Hampshire
E.M. Heath Supermarket
Fidelity Investments
Family Support NH
Harvest Capital Management
Head Start Collaboration Office
Head Start Parent Advisory Council
Manchester Monarchs
New Hampshire Women's Lobby
Northeast Delta Dental
Stonyfield Farm
UNH Cooperative Extension
The New Hampshire Children's Trust Fund supports community-based programs that prevent child abuse and neglect through grant-making, technical and training assistance, evaluation and special projects. The NHCTF believes that the most effective way to keep our children safe from abuse and neglect is to foster the development of strong families. The New Hampshire Children's Trust Fund advocates for positive change in both state and federal policies that effect children and families. For more information, visit our website; www.nhctf.org |
The New Hampshire Children's Trust Fund was established in 1986 by legislative statute RSA 169-C:39 to support programs in New Hampshire that work to prevent child abuse and neglect. Our focus is primary prevention initiatives that keep children safe and families strong.
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