Putting Families First Awards Held in Madison On April 18, Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez and Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary–designee Jeff Pertl honored nine individuals and teams at the second annual Putting Families First Awards. The ceremony was held at the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Pyle Center as part of Wisconsin’s celebration of Family Strengthening Month. This year’s recipients – which included child welfare professionals, parents with lived experience, and community partners – were awarded for their transformational work to Put Families First. These awardees have advocated for families and system change; worked to support families together and in their homes; built strong partnerships with families and community partners; and so much more. This year’s Putting Families First Awards recipients include: Natasha Broxton of Waukesha County, Parent with Lived Experience Samantha Copus of Jefferson County, Parent with Lived Experience Alyssa Hake of Jefferson County, Parent with Lived Experience Teresa Baier and Anjali Patel of St. Croix County, Community Partners Crystal McClain of Milwaukee County, Community Partner Community Collaboration and Navigation Network of Walworth County, Community Partner, members including: Amanda Combs – Safe Families for Children Nichole Cooper – Tree House Child and Family Center Tina Link – Aurora Health Care Monica Los – Planned Parenthood - Delavan Health Center Sara Nichols – Open Arms Free Clinic Suzi Schoenhoft – New Beginnings APFV Valerie Blackdeer and Sadie Garvin of Ho-Chunk Nation, Child Welfare Professionals Lexi Rachner of Washburn County, Child Welfare Professional Haleigh Thomas of Rock County, Child Welfare Professional A press release covering the event is available on DCF’s website. Any questions about this year’s ceremony or the Putting Families First Awards can be sent to the Putting Families First team.
