Blog, In the News, Press Releases

Congratulations to Katya Estes, who this past weekend received the Volunteer Leadership Award from the National Children’s Alliance for outstanding work on behalf of the Family & Children’s Place Kosair Charities Child Advocacy Center (KCCAC).

The alliance, which accredits the more than 770 children’s advocacy centers across the United States, honored Estes Sunday night during an awards presentation at the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel. Also attending were Becky League, director of the KCCAC, and JT Henderson, vice president of Philanthropy for Family & Children’s Place.

The award recognizes an individual volunteer who has demonstrated perseverance and dedication to a local children’s advocacy center, and through the recipient’s efforts, the viability of the CAC has been appreciably affected.

On Facebook, following presentation of the award, Estes posted, “It gives me great pleasure and honor to be chosen for the national leadership award for the National Children’s Alliance conference of 2016. I am so thankful for my family and friends who surround me in this time of need.

“As well, as I would love to shout out to all the people who work child abuse cases in the system. Without them, nobody has a voice.”

Upon learning of the award, she posted, “Together we will rise. My mission doesn’t end here. I will further my work into raising awareness for child abuse and neglect among us. Hear me roar, because I’m only going to get louder.”

In nominating Estes for the award, Family & Children’s Place stated, “Katya’s passion to help victims of child sexual abuse and willingness to use her horrific story of abuse at the hands of her grandfather is nothing short of inspirational.  She is a champion for children and a spokesperson for victim’s rights.  As a former recipient of services at our child advocacy center, Katya is a strong advocate for Family & Children’s Place.”

The nomination also cited her work with the agency’s development team to create Stomp the Silence: Taking Steps Toward Healing, a 5k run/walk to raise money for the child advocacy center, appearances in videos supporting and promoting the agency and a presentation to staff during an annual agency retreat.

All of us at Family & Children’s Place are happy and proud to have been and be a part of Katya’s journey and we congratulate her on her award and thank her for her help and support to ensure we can continue to provide a place of hope and healing to children and families hurt by abuse.