Recipient of 4-C's 2017 Friend of the Child Award
Susan Petersen, Executive Director
4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care
155 N. Third St., Suite 300
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 758-8149 extension 232
May 1, 2017
Pam Wicking RECIPIENT OF 4-C’S 2017 FRIEND OF THE CHILD AWARD
In 1989, 4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care established the Friend of the Child Award to recognize the outstanding efforts of individuals and organizations that have truly made a difference in the lives of young children.
The 2017 recipient of the award is Pam Wicking who received the honor at the 4-C Annual Meeting on April 11, 2017. In presenting the award, Susan Petersen, Executive Director of 4-C highlighted her exemplary dedication and extraordinary leadership in the Early Care and Education field both at the local and state level. Pam has dedicated her professional life to supporting state and federal policies, community systems and forward thinking initiatives which support access of quality affordable child care for all children.
One of her nominees stated “She truly does what it takes to get the job done---all to raise the quality of care for children. She stands for respect, equality, courage, fairness, wisdom and compassion just for starters.”
Another nominee states “What a privilege it was to work with her. No matter how busy she was, she continually volunteered for additional responsibilities in the interest of helping children and families. She is relentless in her advocating for strong policies that benefit children and families. The level of energy she exhibits to further 4-C’s mission is certainly one to be admired and lifted as a model for staff.”
Additionally both nominees stated another attribute of Pam is the unselfish manner in which she has made innumerable and huge contributions to children, the families and the child care providers we serve. Both agree that 4-C is a stronger agency because Pam chose to devote 20 years of her career to enhancing the services the agency offers to ensure that all children have what they need to grow up healthy, happy and ready to succeed in school and life.
When presenting the award, Petersen remarked the Friend of the Child, Pam Wicking, dedicated her career to ensuring that children received the education and services they need to thrive. She is a true champion for children.
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