We are so grateful to the 450 people who joined us on March 21, 2013, and helped raise $150,000 to advance our mission of reforming Washington's child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
Speakers included (from left) former foster child Brenda Ortega; Maleng Award recipients Sara Jean Green and Frank Blethen of the Seattle Times; President's Award winner Washington State Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson (ret.); and Justice Bobbe Bridge, CCYJ Founding President and CEO
Seattle Times writer Sara Jean Green and publisher Frank Blethen receive the Norm Maleng Award - In the Seattle area, there are hundreds of women and children walking the streets who have been victimized by the sex trade. And each of them has a story, as do the dozens of police officers and other service providers who become involved. Seattle Times writer Sara Jean Green - along with her employer - won CCYJ's 2013 Norm Maleng Advocate for Youth Award for telling those stories; for researching endlessly; for interviewing women and girls, police and others; and for not flinching at the brutal details. And she formed a strong opinion about the youngest victims. Read more about Sara Jean's and Frank's presentations.
Leadership and dedication to initiatives will help CCYJ save kids and communities - With inspired leadership, relentless commitment and the support of a generous community, Justice Bobbe Bridge says the Center for Children & Youth Justice will succeed in rescuing kids from a foster care system that too often fails to protect and support them, and a juvenile justice system that too often fails to rehabilitate them and care for their needs. Read more about Justice Bridge's presentation.
CCYJ connects former foster children with their rights - Brenda Ortega's life story as a former foster child sounds like so many others. She suffered years of abuse at the hands of her bipolar mother, and she had lived in two dozen different places by age 14. CPS finally removed her from the home at age 16. Read more about Brenda's presentation.
Also at the event, Washington State Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson (ret.) received the President's Award in honor of her long years of advocacy and leadership in juvenile justice and children's mental health.
And thank you to our wonderful breakfast sponsors!
Because of their generosity, every dollar donated at the breakfast will go directly to support the mission of the Center for Children & Youth Justice.
Presenting Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Bruce & Jeannie Nordstrom
Greg & Erin Coomer
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
College Success Foundation • The Seattle Times
Foster Pepper • United Way of King County
Garvey Schubert Barer • YMCA of Greater Seattle
Judicial Dispute Resolution
Friends of CCYJ
Michael Curtis and Eric Thom
Ellen Dial
Greg Kucera Gallery
Patricia Patterson
Suyama Peterson Deguchi