Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL) held its Annual Luncheon and Awards Ceremony at Townsite Tower in Topeka on April 14. The ceremony is a wonderful way to celebrate agency benchmarks and recognize those who contribute to the achievement of our mission.
Distinguished Service to Kansas Children
KCSL awarded Cristi Cain with our most prestigious honor, the Distinguished Service to Kansas Children Award. This honor is presented to a person or an organization that has done exemplary work for Kansas children with a lasting impact. With over 22 years of experience in developing statewide initiatives and trainings, as well as providing technical assistance to communities, Cain has consistently been devoted to improving the lives of Kansas children, particularly those affected by substance abuse. Cain was also instrumental in forming the Alliance for Drug Endangered Children in Shawnee County, which has been continuously functioning since 2004 providing education, policy development and advocacy to serve this vulnerable population. Throughout her career, Cain has remained committed to her mission of providing help, hope and support to drug-endangered children and their families. Read more about her award here.
A Testimony to Parent Achievement and Leadership
KCSL also recognized Andrea Robinson with the Parent Achievement Award. This award recognizes a parent who has demonstrated leadership and become an exemplary role model to help other families thrive. Robinson has worked with KCSL since 2017 as a parent receiving services and is still actively involved as a parent leader. Robinson’s recovery, growth and leadership truly inspires our staff and the families we serve. During KCSL’s Awards Ceremony, Robinson provided a powerful testimony about her struggles, triumphs and journey as a mother, all with the support of KCSL.
“KCSL has been such a strong support for me all through this, helping me to see that there could be something better and that I could do it even when I didn’t think I could,” Robinson said. “The more time I gain in my sobriety, the more confidence and motivation I have to keep going no matter what happens. I know that my kids depend on me, and I feel the need to continue to give them security that they will always have a sober mother, and I will always be there. We all deserve that.”
The 2023 Hall of Fame Awards Also Include:
- Board Leadership – presented to Carol Bailey
- Glenna VanMetre Outstanding Volunteer – presented to Brenda & Bob Casper
- Hilda Dyer Staff Achievement – presented to Beverly Long
- Corporate Friend of Children – presented to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas & Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation
KCSL’s Community Leaders
Along with annual awards, KCSL also recognized incoming and outcoming members of the Board of Directors and Foundation Trustees. KCSL welcomed Brittany Martin, a parent leader from Garden City to our Board of Directors and new Foundation Trustee, Lesley Hazleton of Wichita. After serving as board chair for the last two years, Tim Shultz handed over responsibilities and introduced David Fernkopf as the newly elected KCSL’s Board of Directors chair. Fernkopf is an assistant director at the Kansas State Department of Education and has been a KCSL volunteer for five years. KCSL is grateful for the parents, professionals and community members that help us enhance our efforts to protect and promote the well-being of children. We congratulate and thank the award recipients, board members, staff and partners who continue to help us build stronger families in Kansas.
