11th Annual
Champion For Children
Award RecipientS
The Champion for Children conference and luncheon recognizes individuals and businesses who make a positive difference in our area. In 2005, the Champion for Children award was created to provide an opportunity for the community to come together and honor the often unsung heroes who strive to help children overcome trauma and reclaim their lives. The award celebrates the life changing work of professionals in our community.
Frontline Champion
Andy Meiron- Child Protective Services
Award winner
Andy is a Supervisor with Child Protective Services and he continually strives to improve the working relationship between Child Protective Services and the Crimes Against Children Unit of the Abilene Police Department. Andy has made himself available at any time (day or night) to assist law enforcement when emergencies involving children arise. Andy also has a good working knowledge of the Abilene Police Department’s internal operating methods, which enables him to more effectively utilize the various means of notifying this agency of impending emergencies involving children. Andy is also to be commended for his ability to keep the goal of a successful criminal prosecution in mind while still adhering to Child Protective Services policies and procedures.
Treatment Champion
Dr. Jay and Nancy Capra
Award winner
Dr. Capra is a valuable member of the Multi Disciplinary Team that assists with services, referrals, and determination of abuse or suspected abuse cases for the Taylor County Area. Without his passion and commitment to the safety of children in our community, many of the victimization and events that happen in children lives would be limited to services. His expertise has made a strong impression upon our organization and his willingness to speak out for victims is ever present. He and his wife are also strong volunteers for home school and for homeless children and young adults. They are very active in many organizations that are focused on children safety and welfare. Dr. Jay and Nancy Capra commit time and energy into programs that focus on at risk youth in the community. They believe in the power of basic needs for children of all ages.
Community Champion
Western Marketing Inc. - Richard Hasten
Award winner
Mr. Richard Hasten and Western Marketing have been and continue to be a huge support and contributor/donor to the Abilene Community Partners/Child Protective Services programs benefiting abused and neglected children though out our community in various ways. They have been involved in the Community Partners program for many years in which they make generous contributions throughout the year to benefit CPS children and families. Western Marketing provides Christmas gifts for 25 to 30 CPS children every year. They participate in the Community Partners Adopt a Caseworker Program by adopting four CPS caseworkers that help to provide emergency resources for children and families such as paying utility bills, medication for children, shoes for children – just to name a few. They have never asked for publicity or acknowledgement for their generous giving. They simply love children. Western Marketing continues to give big to area children and families. We cannot thank them enough and we feel it is time to show the community what a wonderful partner we have with Western Marketing!
2009
Marleigh Meisner- Department of Family and Protective Services
VaLynda Miller- Region 14
Danette Cummings- Child Protective Services
Karen Clemmer- Volunteer
Chick-fil-A- 3130 South Clack
Debbie Glandon- Abilene Police Department
Douglas Brown- First United
Adam Lopez- Abilene Police Department
Michelle Lee- Day Nursery of
2008
Del Barnett- New Horizons
Borden Milk
John R. Bunton- Unseen Wings
Carver Teen Council
Jose Muniz- Jesus Crew
Capt. Randy Naidoo, M.D.- Pediatrician, Dyess AFB
Candy Reagan-
Lee Reed- Abilene Police Department
2007
Pat Carricker- Ben Richey Boys Ranch
Tony Golson- Abilene Police Department
Sue Hasten-
Tony Jenkins- Abilene Police Department
Mark Latimer- Tucker's Cleaners
Alicia McDaniel- Dyess AFB Family Advocacy Program
Brenda Polston-Taylor County Juvenile Probation
Suddenlink Communications
2006
HEB
Kelly Jay- KBCY Radio
Lisa Lopez- Child Protective Services
James Marshall, D.O.- Neonatal Pediatrician, ARMC
Paula Annette Redd- Child Care, Dyess AFB
Southern
Thomas Valdez- Abilene Police Department
2005
Gayle Conley- Early Childhood Intervention
Jeff and Deborah Hinton- Ben Richey Boys Ranch
Debra McCracken,
Andy and Rosie Esparza- RAM Printing
Linda Mares- KRBC Television News
Bit Whitaker- Child Protective Services
Champion for Children - Together we can make a difference in the life of a child
2438 Industrial PMB #178 • Abilene, Texas 79605
Email: Abilene@ChampionforChildren.net
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