Every Child. Every Voice. Every Future. 

This was our anthem going into our annual event, “Raising Our Voices” on September 24 at Grace UMC in Rockford. This year, advocates, church leaders, child-serving organizations, and community members gathered together to unite our voices for children. Experts presented on youth mental health and challenges with bullying; participants learned how to create communities where every young person can feel supported and valued.

Margaret Ann Williams Service award to presented to Jon and Beth Boettner.

We are especially proud to have presented three awards to United Methodists who have demonstrated outstanding advocacy and care for children in their communities.

We presented the Margaret Ann Williams Service award to Aldersgate UMC members Jon and Beth Boettner for their faithfulness to bring children joy to children near and far through the Toy Car Ministry.

Katherine B. Greene Child Worker award presented to Pastor Leslie Stanford

Pastor Leslie Stanford of Dakota Grove UMC received the Katherine B. Greene Child Worker award for her vibrant Kids Club ministry and overall commitment to creating safe places of belonging for children in her community to learn about God and build confidence.

The Bishop Jesse R. DeWitt Child Advocacy award was presented to Rev. Timothy Biel Jr. of Central UMC in Skokie. Rev. Biel, who formerly and faithfully led United Voices for Children as the president, leads and supports ministries focused on children at his church and directly engages with youth in his community through substitute teaching.

Bishop Jesse R. DeWitt Child Advocacy award presented to Rev. Timothy Biel Jr.

We are so thankful for all of our awardees and the communities behind them. Together, we can unite our voices for children and youth, advocating for a better world. 

We are filled with gratitude for the congregation and leadership of Grace UMC (Rockford) and Rev. CJ Woo. Children and youth across the Northern Illinois conference are in need of support, care, and advocacy, and we were filled with joy to be directly present with the communities in and around Rockford. As always, we’re also grateful for our partners in this work: Rosecrance, Children’s Advocates for Change, Kids Above All, and MYSI, and NAMI. 

Friends, the work is not yet complete. In fact, in many ways, we are just getting started. Listening to and learning from the children in our communities is the first step. Together, we can follow God’s lead in building a world that where children do not just survive, but flourish each day. We cannot do this work alone. Here are some ways you can partner with us: 

• Pray for the children in our communities 
• Explore our website to familiarize yourself with UVC’s outreach and impact 
• Financially support the last 5th Sunday Appeal of 2026 on November 29th
• Join our working board of committed individuals 

At United Voices for Children, we believe our collective heart for kids strengths the mission of the Church for every child, every voice, and every future. 

If you couldn’t make it to the event, you can watch the recap and review the presentations here.