On March 20, 2014, the Child Abuse Prevention Coordinating Council (CAPCC) presented the annual CAPCC STARS Awards. It was held this year at the beautiful Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation. The welcome speech was given by Debra Zanders-Willis, CAPCC Chair and Deputy Director of the County of San Diego’s Child Welfare Services. She presented this year’s STARS Awards to the following community partners:

• Coronado SAFE Foundation, an organization that partners with parents and the community to develop and sustain healthy, responsible youth 
• C. Khalifa King, a community advocate and therapist
• David and Paula Ann Trevino, supporters of foster care in the County's East Region
• John “Chas” Moriarty, a volunteer with Voices for Children since 2010
• Julio Mauricio, a Family Advocate with Center for Community Solutions
• Sade Burrell, who volunteers her time and talent to Child Welfare’s development of Practice Framework

Also recognized at the ceremony was the life and legacy of Karen Martin, who passed away on January 29, 2014. Karen's life was spent working tirelessly on behalf of children and families. Karen will be remembered for her integrity, sense of humor, creativity, leadership and development skills, mentorship, humility, tenacity and a deep commitment to the safety of children everywhere. Karen’s parents were at the ceremony to receive the award.

The keynote speaker was Antwone Fisher, former foster youth, author, poet, screenwriter, director, film producer and inspirational speaker. He talked about his experience in the foster system and the child abuse that he endured. He also talked about how he overcame his obstacles and became successful in life.

At the end of the ceremony, Antwone Fisher spent time with the audience and signed his autobiographical book Finding Fish, which was a New York Times Bestseller.

Written by Nancy Martinez, MPA Intern, Child Welfare Services