LACASA, Great Start Livingston Recognize 2025 Champions for Children

CommunityPress ReleaseChamberGeneral News Article

 
Contact:
Mona Shand
mshand@lacasacenter.org
 
                                                                                                                                               
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
April 2, 2025                                     
                                                                                                                                   
 

 LACASA, Great Start Livingston Recognize
2025 Champions for Children
Award ceremony kicks off Child Abuse Prevention Month
 
Howell, MI - A summer camp for vulnerable children and a local psychologist were honored for the positive impact they have had on the community in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
 
Each year, LACASA Center’s Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Council and Great Start Livingston invite the community to nominate individuals and organizations for the Champions for Children awards. A committee selects the winners from those nominations and celebrates their work to uplift the importance of the profound impact positive influences can have on the lives of children.
 
“In a world where children face numerous challenges, the presence of supportive adults and organizations is invaluable,” said LACASA Director of Family Prevention and Education Holly Naylor. “The Champions for Children we honor today have stepped up to be guiding lights, offering encouragement, stability, and a sense of belonging to Livingston County children.”


This year’s winners, who were recognized at the annual Plant a Pinwheel event at the Howell Carnegie Library, are:
 
  • Jill Leutze, a psychologist and autism consultant with the Livingston County Educational Service (LESA) and Hartland Consolidated Schools. Leutze has been supporting students with disabilities for 20 years, and has been instrumental in assisting those who need additional accommodations throughout Hartland. She also facilitates professional development for educators throughout Livingston County through LESA and teaches one-on-one swim lessons to children with disabilities. In addition, she is a dedicated foster parent and advocate.
 
 
  • North Star Reach, a Pinckney-based nonprofit which provides transformative camp experiences to children with serious health challenges and their families. The organization also provides volunteer opportunities for Livingston County residents to engage in supporting children through a piece of childhood that they might not otherwise experience.
 
To learn more about LACASA’s CAP Council and the different trainings and workshops offered in April and throughout the year, click HERE.
 

J.J. Lewis of North Star Reach (l) and Jill Leutze of LESA accept the
 2025 Champion for Children Awards
 
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ABOUT LACASA: LACASA Center is a local nonprofit organization that provides programs and services for child abuse victims and survivors. This independent agency also conducts community-wide education and awareness programs aimed at protecting children in Livingston County. Visit lacasacenter.org for more information about how you can help prevent child abuse.
 
ABOUT GREAT START LIVINGSTON: The Great Start Collaborative of Livingston County is a partnership of early childhood experts, parents and community organizations who work together to ensure Livingston County children are prepared to succeed in school and in life.

LACASA, Great Start Livingston Recogn...