ABC Awards 2022 Press Release

Local Non-Profit Celebrates 33rd Annual ABC Awards Honoring Those Who Are Exemplary in Service to Children & Youth.

Family Resource Center’s 33rd Annual ABC (Action on Behalf of Children) Awards ceremony will celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and organizations who are supporting the needs of children through unique action.

What: Family Resource Center’s 33rd Annual Action on Behalf of Children Awards

Date: Thursday, November 3rd 5:30-8:30PM

Location: Hilton-Stockton 2323 Grand Canal Blvd.

(Stockton, CA) Family Resource Center (FRC) is celebrating its 33rd Annual ABC (Action on Behalf of Children) Awards on November 3rd, 2022. FRC will host a very special ceremony (in-person) recognizing those who care about children in San Joaquin County. Created in 1988 by Joan Richards, founder of Family Resource Center, and several community members, the awards recognize those outstanding members of the community that are doing more than just ‘the average’ for children.

FRC was founded on a Child Care Resource grant in order to match parents with licensed child care that best fit their needs. FRC grew tremendously to provide child care assistance, nutrition services and professional development trainings for Child Care Providers. Child Care Providers in San Joaquin County are serving 10,000 children in the various subsidized programs FRC administers. While the organization has diversified services to include 211 San Joaquin, connecting over 60,000 to local help and resources each year, the Joan Richards Learning Village Preschool where approximately 200 children are receiving a “Raising Quality” early education everyday, and along with several Family Strengthening services, FRC’s partnership with the Child Care Providers remains at the heart of the agency’s mission.

To spotlight the tireless work of key individuals and organizations who are making a positive difference in the lives of children and youth, the ABC Awards will pay special tribute to their service-sharing stories of inspiration and hope, especially as we emerge out of the pandemic. Emceed by Adriana Brogger, Professor of Digital Media at San Joaquin Delta College, the ABC Awards will recognize the winners of the following categories: Child Care Provider, Child Advocate, Children’s Health, Business, Public Agency, School, Nonprofit Organization, and FRRC’s newest category, Supporting Children through COVID-19. The event will also include guest speakers offering their words of encouragement and gratitude for helping children build resiliency during uncertain times and a live tribute performance from the Stockton Youth Chorale.

“It’s important to acknowledge and thank those who have strengthened the lives of children and families in their everyday work,” says Kay Ruhstaller, CEO of Family Resource & Referral Center. Ruhstaller, who has served as the nonprofit’s CEO for 19 years, was appointed to the Early Childhood Policy Council in 2019 and advises the Governor, Legislature, and Superintendent of Public Instruction on statewide early learning and care policy, including implementation and evaluation of the state’s Master Plan for Early Learning and Care. “We are fortunate to have so many individuals and organizations in our community who care about kids,” continues Ruhstaller. “It’s the collaborative efforts of our entire community that allow our children to grow up safe and nurtured. “The awards help us pause and recognize the contributions of those who are exemplary in their service to children.”

Local businesses and organizations have shown their commitment to children and families by sponsoring this event. Bank of Stockton is this year’s ABC Awards Signature Sponsor. Their partnership helps create access to high-quality, affordable child care so that working parents can continue contributing to our local workforce.

To register to attend this year’s ABC Awards, visit Family Resource Center’s website https://frrcsj.org/abc/ To view a list of past ABC Award recipients visit https://frrcsj.org/abc/.

About Family Resource Center: Family Resource Center is committed to the health and well-being of children in San Joaquin County, and the adults who care for them. Serving the community since 1980, our mission is to provide resources to parents and childcare providers to encourage healthy growth for the children in their care. We do that by providing advocacy, information, education, nutritional support, training, and childcare services – directly and by financially supporting community childcare providers – so that every child, and parent, has access to safe and stimulating care outside the home. Through the provision of the county’s 211 system, housed and administered by Family Resource & Referral services, we offer new and current residents referrals and access to information about child care, nutritional services and other programs available in San Joaquin County that support broader community health.
______________________________________________________________________________
Media Contact:
Rebecca Ray
Community Development Manager
rray@frrcsj.org
(209) 461-2937