2025 HEROES OF CHILD JUSTICE

(From left to right: Former MD Sec. of State John Wobensmith, Dr. Kathryn Spearman, Danielle Pollack, Hera McLeod, Annie Kenny, Alanna Clair, Chas Atkinson, Kasey Atkinson, Child Justice Executive Director Eileen King)

On September 13, more than 130 friends gathered in Annapolis to celebrate the 2025 Heroes of Child Justice. A huge thank you to former Maryland Secretary of State John Wobensmith, who acted as the award ceremony emcee. This email includes a gallery of photos, video of the amazing keynote address from former child clients, and a survey to help us plan next year's event. Please share this newsletter with a friend and help spread the mission of Child Justice.

Congressman Steny Hoyer was unable to join us in person, but sent a wonderful message of support! Click here to view.

Chas Atkinson &

John Wobensmith

Danielle Pollack &

John Wobensmith

Kasey Atkinson,

John Wobensmith &

Eileen King

Annie Kenny,

John Wobensmith &

Eileen King

Dr. Kathryn Spearman,

John Wobensmith &

Eileen King

Alanna Clair &

John Wobensmith

Hera McLeod &

John Wobensmith

MISSION MOMENT - KEYNOTE ADDRESS

As children, siblings Chas and Kasey Atkinson experienced the challenges of the family court system firsthand. Today, as thriving adults, they were honored at the 2025 Heroes of Child Justice event, where they bravely shared their story of resilience. Their journey reflects our mission in action - helping children break free from abuse so they can grow into happy, successful adults. We are deeply grateful to Chas and Kasey for the courage it took to revisit such a painful chapter of their lives. Watch their keynote address.

HELP US REACH OUR FUNDRAISING GOAL

Together with our sponsors, we have raised $41,755 for our legal services program! Our goal was to raise $50,000 between donations and sponsorships. Will you help us hit our goal? No amount is too small. Donations may be made on the event website, on the Child Justice website, via PayPal Giving Fund, your Donor Advised Fund, or by check (mailed to: 8720 Georgia Ave, Suite 703, Silver Spring, MD 20910). Thank you for your support!

Are you interested in attending the 2026 event? Please take a few minutes to answer our brief survey so your voice may be heard. We have questions about logistics, location, date, and potential awardees. Thank you for your feedback!

More photos are coming! Please check our website in the coming weeks to view and download photos at no charge.

Child Justice Staff (from left to right: Cica Bradley, Jaida Frederick, Nathan Grube, Michele Banks, Ada Husten, Leslie Espino, Noni Hill, Catherine McCarthy Hutasuhut, Penina Meier-Silverman, Eileen King, Cynthia Hubbard, Lisa Dowell, Luanne McKenna, Cynthia Cummings, Paul Griffin, Inga James)

Child Justice Board of Directors, Staff and Special Guests (from left to right: Board Member David Dorey, Board Treasurer Steven Schneebaum, Board Secretary Cynthia McCann, Development Director Lisa Dowell, Executive Director Eileen King, Emcee and Former Maryland Secretary of State John Wobensmith, Senator Mary Beth Carozza, Chairman Daniel Campos, Vice Chair Anne Hoyer)