State honors Unsung Heroes at annual awards dinner

Shannon Love was one of 28 Unsung Heroes.

She was honored for her work to reform 

foster care in Washington state.

On a snowy and blustery Feb. 20 night, parents, grandparents, teachers and caregivers from around the state were honored at the annual Unsung Hero awards dinner.

Twenty-eight honorees were selected this year, one for each day in February, for Parent Recognition Month.

These inspiring individuals were selected by a parent panel and represent resilience in our state. They include a grandpa taking on custody of his young grandson, a school counselor who took in three siblings so they didn’t have to be split up, moms who are amazing advocates for their special needs kids and foster parents giving children a stable and loving home. Our focus was to honor heroes that utilize one or more of the Protective Factors:

• Parental Resilience: overcoming hard times and bouncing back
• Concrete Supports in Times of Need: knowing where to turn to for help
• Social and Emotional Competence of Children: knowing how to help children talk about feelings
• Social Connections: reaching out and knowing who can support you
• Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development: knowing where to go for information on parenting skills and children’s developmental growth

The night was filled with smiles, laughter and some tears as each honoree’s nomination was read for the group and awards were given by Director Heather Moss. If you would like to read all of the inspiring stories, please visit our partner in the Unsung Hero Campaign, Seattle’s Child Magazine.

Thank you again to everyone who sent in nominations and another round of big congratulations to our 2018 Unsung Heroes!

Washington’s Unsung Heroes to be honored in February

Parenting: one day it’s dance parties in the kitchen with hugs and kisses, and the next day you’re bribing with fruit snacks to stop the meltdown in aisle 3. Parenting is hard. And some paths are especially challenging for both the parent and the child.

This Unsung Hero was awarded during last year's ceremony.

Gov. Jay Inslee has proclaimed February as Parent Recognition Month, and we are celebrating extraordinary Washington parents with our Unsung Heroes Campaign. The Strengthening Families Team at DEL has had the privilege of hosting a recognition event now for several years and once again we find ourselves inspired by the stories from across the state.

Late last year we opened the nomination process up across the state and received nominations from all over. These nominees are parents, caregivers, teachers and community members who have made a remarkable difference in a child or children’s life. We looked for those who showed strength in the Protective Factors:

• Parental Resilience – overcoming hard times and bouncing back
• Concrete Supports in Times of Need – knowing where to turn to for help
• Social and Emotional Competence of Children – knowing how to help children talk about feelings
• Social Connections – reaching out and knowing who can support you
• Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development – knowing where to go for information on parenting skills and children’s developmental growth

Of the dozens of nominations received, our parent panel selected 28 honorees – one for each day of the month. We will again partner with Seattle’s Child Magazine, who will feature one honoree each day on their website. Be sure to check our Facebook and Twitter feeds to find out each day who the next honoree is. We hope you will find their stories as inspiring and uplifting as we did! And to all our honorees, congratulations!

Recognize Your Hero: Celebrate Washington Parents

The Department of Early Learning’s (DEL) Strengthening Families Washington division, with the help of Seattle’s Child will recognized 28 parents in February 2017 at the State’s annual Unsung Heroes event.

The initiative is meant to honor “Unsung Heroes” or parents or caregivers who demonstrate strength, courage and empathy in their communities.

This year’s honorees from all over the State will be invited to western Washington for the 2017 Unsung Heroes event where family, friends and nominators can share inspirational stories about what it means to be an Unsung Hero in their communities.

DEL Director Hunter and Assistant Director Williamson
congratulate an Unsung Hero and parent at last year's event.

Last year, DEL Director, Ross Hunter as well as DEL Assistant Director, Greg Williamson awarded 29 Unsung Heroes and their families with a plaque and inspirational children’s book, The Dot after sharing dinner and playing with children attendees at Olympia’s Mobile Hands On Children’s Museum.

Each Unsung Hero’s story will also be available online at www.seattleschild.com/Parenting/ and will be shared on DEL’s Facebook page.

More about Unsung Heroes

Unsung Heroes has celebrated parents and caregivers in Washington State since 2011. Nominees are selected based on their ability to utilize five “protective factors,” in their work and/or personal life such as:

·         Knowledge of parenting and child development

·         Social connections

·         Parental resiliency

·         Concrete support in times of need

·         Social and emotional competence of children

If you are interested in nominating someone for a 2017 Unsung Hero award, please fill out the Unsung Hero Award Form and send it to strengtheningfamilies@del.wa.gov or by mail to SFWA, 1110 Jefferson St. SE, Olympia Washington, 98501.

DEL Celebrates Parents and Honors Unsung Heroes

The Department of Early Learning’s (DEL) Strengthening Families Washington division, with the help of Seattle’s Child has recognized 29 parents this past month in honor of Parent Recognition Month (February). This past fall, Strengthening Families Washington requested nominations from the public to honor “Unsung Heroes” or parents or caregivers who demonstrate strength, courage and empathy in their communities.

DEL Director, Ross Hunter makes paper & popsicle-stick 

helicopters with an Unsung Hero’s child at the 

mobile Hands On Children’s Museum.

DEL received many nominations and a committee of parents in Thurston County selected 29—one for each day in February. The 29 honorees from all over the state were then invited to Lacey, Washington for the 2016 Unsung Heroes event where family, friends and nominators shared inspirational stories about what it means to be an Unsung Hero in their communities.

“These families are up against incredible barriers, and yet, they show resilience and great strength,” said DEL Director, Ross Hunter. “I am honored to share a meal with the Unsung Heroes, hear their inspirational stories and award them for their unwavering dedication to kids.”

DEL Director, Ross Hunter and Assistant Director,
Greg Williamson honor Stephanie Cochran
(University Place).

Hunter as well as DEL Assistant Director, Greg Williamson awarded 29 Unsung Heroes and their families with a plaque and inspirational children’s book, The Dot after sharing dinner and playing with children attendees at Olympia’s Mobile Hands On Children’s Museum.

“Each honoree has a unique and truly inspiring story,” said Williamson. “Some are volunteers within their communities; others are mentors or foster parents—some have experienced great loss and personal triumph. All of the Unsung Heroes are assets to the families and children they serve daily.”

Each Unsung Hero’s story is available online at www.seattleschild.com/Parenting/ and has been shared on DEL’s Strengthening Families Facebook page.

More about Unsung Heroes

Nominator Laura Crooks reads nomination
to her husband, Hero Todd Crooks (Seatlle).

Unsung Heroes has celebrated parents and caregivers in Washington State since 2011. Nominees are selected based on their ability to utilize five “protective factors,” in their work and/or personal life such as:

·         Knowledge of parenting and child development

·         Social connections

·         Parental resiliency

·         Concrete support in times of need

·         Social and emotional competence of children

If you are interested in nominating someone for a 2017 Unsung Hero award, please look for further communication in the fall of 2016.

DEL Director, Ross Hunter plays with the wind
tunnel at the Mobile Hands On Children's Museum.

Event photos courtesy of Jamey Davidsmeyer.