County recognizes local efforts to protect children
The San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) and the San Joaquin Children’s Services Coordinating Commission recently announced the recipients of this year’s Child Abuse Prevention and Intervention Awards.
The awards reflect the dedication of the individuals and organizations in the community dedicated to improving the lives of children. Winners were recognized at the 17th Annual Child Abuse Prevention Symposium on April 19 at the Stockton Hilton.
The symposium brings together more than 350 educators, social workers, law enforcement officers, nurses, advocates, therapists, and other professionals working to prevent child abuse and help its victims. Part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the symposium allows these professionals to share strategies that will aid in their efforts throughout the year.
The recipients of the 2107 Child Abuse Prevention and Intervention Awards are:
Distinguished Honoree
Pat Hill is a retired educator and former Lodi Unified School District assistant superintendent. She served on the Children’s Services Coordinating Commission for eight years as a highly active member, sitting on the executive and symposium-planning committees as well as monitoring and conducting site visits of community-based organizations receiving funding from the Commission.
Agency Program of the Year
The Positive Parenting Program offered by Parents By Choice has been delivering hope to families in crisis since 2012, reaching more than 1,200 parents. The six-week program offers free childcare and dinner for children while their parents learn positive parenting techniques in a group setting at locations throughout San Joaquin County.
Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Nick Zanos is a detective with the San Joaquin County Sheriff ’s Office’s Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit. He built strong connections with students while teaching them about the dangers of gangs, drugs, and drunk driving while working as a school resources officer at Manteca Unified School District sites in Lathrop. His rapport with children has been an asset in his current role as an investigator.
Service Employee of the Year
Lynda Donelson is a homeless/foster aid and health and safety specialist for the Manteca Unified School District. She goes above and beyond to promote a safe, welcoming environment for children and their families. She often visits students before school to make sure they are ready for school, and she will stay by the side of children in crisis after school until their safety is assured.
Denise Warmerdam
Denise Warmerdam is an active member of the Child Abuse Prevention Council’s Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Advisory Council, a program that endeavors to place children who are dependents of the courts in a safe, permanent home. When the longtime sponsor of the charity run supporting CASA departed the county, she led the effort to continue the run. The Third Annual CASA Superhero Run is scheduled for Oct. 7, 2017. Warmerdam is the legislative assistant for San Joaquin County Supervisor Chuck Winn.