(Oct. 8, 2026) – CDF will honor Casey Family Programs with its Marian Wright Edelman Advocate for Joy Award to recognize its work championing policies and programs that improve the lives of children and youth.
Media Contact: John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, CDF Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
WASHINGTON, D.C.—In November, the national advocacy organization Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) will host A National Celebration of Joy, a gala established to honor changemakers and youth advocates and celebrate the partnerships that drive its work for children.
The event at Washington, D.C.’s historic Howard Theatre will also feature the presentation of CDF’s Marian Wright Edelman Advocate for Joy Award to individuals and institutions that champion policies, build community power, and strengthen programs to improve the lives of children and youth. The award is named in honor of CDF Founder and President Emerita Marian Wright Edelman.
“The Marian Wright Edelman Advocate for Joy Award is CDF’s highest honor, recognizing servant leaders whose advocacy and partnership have made a demonstrable difference in the lives of children, young people, and families,” said CDF President and CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson. “This year, the award has been renamed in honor of our Founder and President Emerita, Marian Wright Edelman.”
This year, CDF is proud to announce Casey Family Programs as one of the award’s recipients. The nationwide organization is America’s largest operating foundation focused on safely reducing the need for foster care while improving the safety and well-being of children.
Established in 1966 by United Parcel Service founder Jim Casey, the Seattle-based organization is now led by President and CEO William C. Bell, Ph.D. Dr. Bell provides Casey Family Programs strategic direction for its nine field offices and leads a staff that works directly with youth in the public child welfare system.
What: National Celebration of Joy
When: Thursday, November 5, 2026 | Dinner and Program – 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Historic Howard Theatre | 620 T Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Dr. Wilson praised Casey Family Programs for its vision for child well-being and its historic partnership with CDF, making it a fitting recipient of the award.
“It is our privilege to honorCasey Family Programs as the first institutional recipient of the Marian Wright Edelman Award,” Dr. Wilson said. “For 60 years, Casey Family Programs has been building Communities of Hope to ensure more children grow up safely at home. Working in all fifty states, their mission is to provide and improve – and ultimate prevent the need for – foster care. Casey Family Programs is one of CDF’s most enduring institutional partners in advocacy, thought leadership, investment, and a shared commitment.”
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