2011 marked a turning point for Voices for Children, as founding executive director Kathy Bigsby Moore retired after 23 years of leading the organization. At the completion of my first year as the new Executive Director, I was passionate about continuing her legacy and all the work that Voices for Children is known for. 2012 is another milestone for Voices for Children, as we celebrate our 25thanniversary at the Spotlight Gala this fall. Between now and the Spotlight Gala, we will be looking back at 25 years of accomplishments and victories for kids.
Voices for Children will celebrate our 25th Anniversary at the 2012 Spotlight Gala on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at the Embassy Suites-La Vista beginning at 5:30 pm. Mayor Jim Suttle and Former State Senator Deb Suttle serve as the Honorary Chair this year. The event will include appetizers, auctions, a plated dinner and award presentations to six deserving recipients who continuously strive to meet the ever increasing needs of children. Awards will be presented to Project Everlast , Tim Barry, KETV, R.E.S.P.E.C.T, Senator Kathy Campbell (Champion for Children), as well as Betty Cernech, honoring her Lifetime Achievement. You know you want to be there, so buy your tickets now.
Policy victories for children don’t just happen by accident. For 25 years, Voices for Children in Nebraska has been improving policies through skilled advocacy as an outspoken, independent voice for children. Voices for Children has a played a unique role of collaborating with likely and unlikely partners to affect change for kids and bringing everyone to the table. We closely monitor the issues, and constantly strive to look at the big picture for kids. We let the data drive our solutions and we passionately push for them.
In what lawmakers and advocates called “the session of children,” we took several major steps to improve public policy for Nebraska kids. Most notably, Voices for Children collaborated with others to support the passage of LB 599, restoring prenatal care for low income women who had lost that coverage in 2010.
Our victories for kids aren’t just limited to this last Legislative Session. Since 1987, Voices for Children has played an active role in policy change. We worked with a coalition of advocates and providers to create and expand Kids Connection, Nebraska’s health insurance program for low-income kids. Today it serves nearly 1 in 3 kids in Nebraska. Through the years, we have shaped the Nebraska Parenting Act, which ensures that the needs of kids are taken into consideration in cases of divorce. We helped create the Office of Juvenile Services and establish standards for state-run facilities that serve kids involved in the juvenile justice system. And the list goes on and on.
We look forward to celebrating our 25th Anniversary with all of the businesses, organizations, lawmakers, and individuals who have supported our work on behalf of children. It will be a fantastic event and we look forward to seeing you at the Spotlight Gala! For details event, visit voicesforchildren.com/spotlight-gala.
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