Austin-based Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates and Jonathan’s Place of Garland will receive the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s All Children–All Families seal of recognition this weekend at the Time to Thrive conference.
Both organizations will be honored for their commitment to supporting and serving LGBT families.
The conference, now in its third year, focuses on the best practices, strategies and emerging trends for educators and others working with LGBT youth.
The HRC Foundation’s All Children–All Families initiative provides a comprehensive framework, from client non-discrimination policies to staff training, that assists agencies in establishing policies and practices that welcome, support and affirm LGBT youth, and implementing ongoing efforts to improve LGBT competency.
“Texas CASA is honored to receive this distinction from the HRC Foundation, as it recognizes the hard work of our staff and board to create an environment that emphasizes diversity, cultural competency and inclusion so that all children in the child welfare system, especially those in the LGBTQ community who are so over-represented in the system, can have the opportunity to thrive,” said Texas CASA CEO Vicki Spriggs.
“Texas CASA works tirelessly to ensure that the 72 local CASA programs across the state have the skills, knowledge and support needed to serve our most vulnerable citizens; and this recognition directly reflects our continuing efforts to achieve a safe and positive future for all Texas children and youth,” Spriggs said.
“We are honored to receive the HRC Foundation’s All Children-All Families Seal of Recognition for our work with LGBTQ families,” said Allicia Frye, CEO of Jonathan’s Place. “Our foster and adoptive families make all the difference in the lives of abused and neglected children and have contributed to making our agency what it is today.”
“As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we look forward to expanding our work with LGBTQ families and youth, ensuring that every child receives the respect and love that they deserve,” Frye added.
Presented by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the National Education Association and the American Counseling Association, the three-day conference takes place Feb. 12-14 at the Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine. Day-of registration is available. For volunteer opportunities visit Volunteersignup.org/WXQL4.
