Keeping Our Programs Going For Years to Come

The Anniversary Celebration event is held to raise funds to support the programs of FOCWJ.

2016 Highlights

The 1st Anniversary Celebration of Families Organizing for Child Welfare Justice was a success! The room was filled with many supporters including FOCWJs Board of Directors, the event's speakers, and the guests.

The theme of the 1st Anniversary Celebration was New Beginnings in Child Welfare Reform. The evening's main speaker was Angela Baron-Jeffrey, Director of Northern Illinois University's Center for Child Welfare and Education. Ms. Baron-Jeffrey gave a passionate, powerful and impactful speech on the importance of family. Other speakers included:

FOCWJs Executive Director Suzanne Sellers, who gave a presentation on FOCWJs accomplishments in the past year and the need for child welfare reform

Featured Speaker Lawrence Sellers (son of Suzanne Sellers), who spoke on the topic of The Need for Child Welfare Reform: A Youth's Perspective

Featured Speaker Stephanie Crockett-McLean (FOCWJ Board member) who spoke on the topic of The Need for Child Welfare Reform: A Kinship Caregiver's Perspective

Featured Speaker Michelle Weidner (recipient of FOCWJs 1st Parent Advocate award) who spoke on the topic of The Need for Child Welfare Reform: A Parent's Perspective

Featured Speaker Diane Redleaf (recipient of FOCWJs 1st Professional Advocate award) who spoke on the topic of The Need for Child Welfare Reform: A Professional's Perspective