Champions for Children

Dr. William E. Pelham, Jr.

Posthumous
FIU Center for Children and Families

This annual award is bestowed on an individual for a lifetime of notable achievement and dedication to children and families in Miami-Dade County. The achievements of this individual must have come over time and should represent a depth of commitment to children’s causes that have resulted in lasting and widespread impacts. By recognizing someone who has dedicated considerable time, knowledge, expertise or resources to the welfare of children with this award, The Trust hopes to motivate others to work toward improving the lives of children and families in our community.

Board members and staff members of The Trust are not eligible to receive this award. Nominations are received from the local community at large, reviewed internally, and a committee of board members selects the honoree.

Bianca Sandoval

Kayleen’s Learning Center

The Excellence in Direct Service Award recognizes an employee (not a manager or executive level staff) of a program funded by The Children's Trust whose primary duties are to provide direct service to children and families and has done so in an exemplary fashion. The honoree is an inspiration to their co-workers and consistently performs above and beyond their job duties to serve the children and families of Miami-Dade. In specific, identifiable circumstances on various occasions, the nominee has shown a willingness to perform duties and responsibilities beyond what is required in their position. They exemplify the belief that the human element makes a difference in the lives of others and recognizes that the human touch must be extended far beyond the confines of a standard workday.

Zoe A. Terry

Miami Country Day School 

This annual award is bestowed to a high school-aged youth who demonstrates exemplary advocacy and service in their daily life, displays exceptional leadership and stands as an inspiration to those around them. The award highlights a youth’s dedication and passion for working collaboratively to find solutions to community issues. The honoree’s notable commitment to the community demonstrates an impact on children and families in Miami-Dade County. By providing recognition to a youth who has dedicated considerable time and initiative on behalf of children and families, The Trust hopes to motivate other youth to engage in advocacy, service and leadership to work toward improving the lives of children and families in their community.

The Trust Board of Director's student representative is not eligible to receive this award. Anyone can submit a nomination (e.g. teachers, parents, mentors, students) or a youth may nominate themselves. Youth nominees must either be under 18, or still in school (grades 9 -12) at the time of nomination. Youth nominees should currently be involved in advocacy efforts or actively encouraging ongoing advocacy efforts to improve the lives of children, youth and their families in Miami-Dade County. Once nominations are received, they are reviewed internally and a committee of board members selects the honoree.

Ruban Roberts

Community Advocate

The Excellence in Advocacy Award nominee is an individual who has made significant contributions through community advocacy or public policy supporting children and families in Miami-Dade.

The individual must live in Miami-Dade County and have a track record of service and commitment to positively addressing issues and needs related to children and families.

The nominee is a community leader who continuously advocates and works to improve community conditions and whose leadership and actions align with those of The Children’s Trust, focused on bettering the lives of children and families.
 

The Children’s Trust Books for Free
(operated by Miami Dade College)

The Liberty City Optimist Club of Florida

University of Miami Jump Start
 

Three Trust-funded programs are recognized for their exemplary service delivery to children and families in Miami-Dade County. Honorees show a deep dedication to the delivery of quality programming for children. Nominations are received from Trust staff and a committee of board members selects the honorees.

A nominee is a program funded either directly by The Children’s Trust or funded by The Trust and administered through the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. Thrive by 5 early learning programs may be nominated. The nominated program provides direct service to children and families.

Nominated programs consistently perform with excellence. The provider consistently meets all required contractual requirements and deadlines. Early learning programs must be participating in Thrive by 5 and be classified in a Tier 4 or Tier 5.

The program has highly qualified staff who exemplify the belief that the human element makes a difference in the lives of others and which has shown the commitment necessary to help improve the lives of children and families.

Program meets fiscal standards and is compliant with all fiscal and programmatic data entry requirements.