Casey Family Programs Recognizes Exceptional Organizations for Supporting Children and Families
Sleep Country USA and Sleep Train, Open Society Foundations, and the Duke Endowment recognized for working to improve the lives of vulnerable children and families across America
SEATTLE – Casey Family Programs, a national operating foundation committed to improving the lives of vulnerable children and families and building hope in communities across America, is pleased to announce the winners of the Casey Excellence for Children Awards.
The foundation presents these awards to recognize outstanding organizations that have demonstrated distinguished community service and outstanding leadership in improving the lives of children and families across the nation.
“Through their work, these organizations are helping build communities where more children grow up in a safe, stable family surrounded by the opportunities they need to thrive,” said Bob Watt, chair of the Board of Trustees of Casey Family Programs. “They are a shining example of how public, private, faith-based and civic organizations can work in partnership to inspire hope and create better futures for children and families.”
The winners of the Casey Excellence for Children Awards are:
The Duke Endowment
The Duke Endowment has a long history of improving safety and the well-being of children and families. Duke Endowment programs such as Family Finding improve permanency and well-being outcomes for youth by connecting them to extended family. Another program, the Child-Centered Recruitment program, empowers hard-to-place youth and siblings in their own adoption process and has shown promising results to improve permanency. The Duke Endowment has made a robust effort to expand the use of the most efficient programs that work to strengthen families and keep children safely in their homes, thereby preventing the need for out-of-home foster care
Open Society Foundations
Open Society Foundations has raised public awareness of issues facing children and youth in foster care. Open Society Foundations’ work has moved politicians to take action – such as passage of the 2008 Fostering Connections Act which gives children more rights to stay in their same school and provides services and medical care to foster youth beyond the age of 18. Open Society Foundations has also made grants to build a facility for homeless foster youth in the Baltimore, Maryland area, and to the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation which has a long history of supporting youth in foster care.
Sleep Country USA and Sleep Train
For over 20 years, Sleep Country USA and Sleep Train have helped children and youth in foster care. Through its Foster Kids programs, drives to collect clothing, coats and shoes, school supplies, and toys have directly impacted the wellbeing of foster children. Donations raised through its websites and philanthropic annual events including Pajama Bowl and the Charity Golf Classic have benefited more than 40 organizations that serve children and families in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California. Robust communications campaigns, including advertisements, public relations, and easily accessible data about foster children and the foster care system on its websites raise awareness of the need to support these children and their families.
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Casey Family Programs is the nation’s largest operating foundation whose work is focused on safely reducing the need for foster care and building communities of hope for all of America’s children and families. We work in partnership with child welfare systems, families and communities across the nation to prevent child abuse and neglect and to find safe, permanent and loving families for all children. We believe every child deserves a family of their own and a community of hope. For more information visit www.casey.org.
Sarah Fridovich
Public Relations Manager
Office: 206-378-4613
Email: sfridovich@casey.org
