Formerly known as Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY), Children First PA continues the 40+ commitment of advocacy on behalf of children and families in Southeastern PA. Our region’s leading companies and organizations know that Children First works hard to create a better world for every child and has recognized that work with the following awards:
2017 Fifty Over Fifty
Presented by City and State Pennsylvania to Donna Cooper, for making a positive impact on Pennsylvania through her achievements, leadership abilities, philanthropic efforts and dedication to the betterment of the commonwealth!
2016 Healthcare Hero Award
Presented by the Pennsylvania Health Access Network to Donna Cooper and Colleen McCauley in recognition for improving our health care system and making it more equitable and accessible for all.
2016 Education Policy Leadership Award
The Edward Donley Award is presented by the Education Policy and Leadership Center to Donna Cooper.
2015 Barra Award
Presented by the Barra Foundation,PCCY was selected as one of 40 Barra Award winners across the region for exemplifying qualities of leadership, performance and adaptability.
2014 Groundswell Award
Presented by the Philadelphia Cultural Alliance annually to honor a partner organization that’s making a difference in the lives of Philadelphia children through Arts, Culture and Advocacy.
2013 Restoring Ideals Award
Presented by the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts and Temple Contemporary. The Restoring Ideals Award honors local organizations that best represent the Philadelphia’s founding ideals: Tolerance, Equality and Independence
2013 Partners in Peace Award
Presented by Mothers in Charge to once again honor PCCY’s efforts in prevention, education and intervention for youth, young adults and families.
2010 Community IMPACT Award
Presented by GlaxoSmithKline, recognized PCCY for achievement and innovation in improving community health in southeastern Pennsylvania.
2010 Partners in Peace Award
Presented by Mothers in Charge to honor PCCY’s efforts in prevention, education and intervention for youth, young adults and families.
2010 Focus on Prevention Award
Presented by Drexel University, this annual award is given to honor PCCY’s sustained and undying commitment to youth violence prevention.
2010 Champion of the Greater Good Award
Presented by the Friends of the Free Library to honor PCCY’s efforts to improve child literacy.
2009 Clara Barton Humanitarian Award
Presented by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross annually to individuals and organizations who exemplify the values and mission of the Red Cross through community service and dedication to the citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania.
2006 Women Making A Difference Award
Presented to PCCY Executive Director Shelly Yanoff by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown. The annual award honors extraordinary women who have made a difference in their chosen fields.
2006 Executive Director of the Year Award
Presented to PCCY Executive Director Shelly Yanoff by the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania. The award honors executives for their leadership and participation in United Way efforts over the past year.
2004 Florette Angel Memorial Child Advocacy Award
Presented by Voices for America’s Children to honor PCCY for exceptional leadership, innovative advocacy, and effective service on behalf of children and their families.
2004 Germantown Historical Society Award
Presented by the Germantown Historical Society to honor PCCY’s commitment to improve services for children.
2003 Community IMPACT Award
Presented by GlaxoSmithKline recognized PCCY for achievement and innovation in improving community health in southeastern Pennsylvania.
2003 Child Advocate of the Year Award
Presented by the Center on Families and Relationships to honor PCCY for its work on strengthening families in Philadelphia.
2001 Medicaid Outreach Award
Presented by the PA Department of Public Welfare honored PCCY for helping area families overcome barriers and obtain free, comprehensive health coverage for their children.
2000 CHIP Outreach Award
Presented by the PA Department of Insurance to recognize PCCY’s efforts in enrolling children in the State’s Children’s Health Insurance Program.
1999 Great Friend to Kids Community Service Award
Presented by the Please Touch Museum, this prestigious award honors individuals and organizations that make outstanding contributions to enriching the lives of children.
1999 NASW Philadelphia Region Public Citizen of the Year Award
Presented by the National Association of Social Workers, the Public Citizen of the Year award honored PCCY for its efforts to improve services for at-risk children in Philadelphia.
1997 The Gimbel Philadelphia Award
Presented by the Gimbel Brothers Department Stores, The Gimbel Philadelphia Award honors distinguished Philadelphia area women for their “outstanding service to humanity.”
1997 The Edward Espen Humanitarian Award
Presented by Woodrock, Inc. to honor PCCY’s work on behalf of children of different ethnicities in Philadelphia.
1997 Humanitarian Award
Presented by B’Nai B’rith Educators Unit, B’Nai B’rith honors organizations and individual across the globe that set the standards for community involvement and bettering the lives of people throughout the world.
1996 John B. Patterson Award
Presented by Citizens Committee for Public Education to honor PCCY for excellence in education.
1994 Take the Lead Award
Presented by the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Pennsylvania to PCCY Executive Director Shelly Yanoff. The Take the Lead Award honors our community’s most distinguished women, whose leadership and achievements have made the world a better place.
1993 Human Rights Award
Presented by the Philadelphia Human Relations Commission, honored PCCY for our commitment to building bridges of understanding among different ethnic groups in Philadelphia.