Heroes Without Capes
Award Nominations
The Awards
The Safety Award
This award is given to those individuals, groups, or organizations that tirelessly dedicate themselves to protecting children from the horrors of abuse and neglect. The recipients of this award inspire us all through their enduring commitment to create a safer and more nurturing environment for the next generation. They remind us that it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the rights and well-being of every child are safeguarded, nurtured, and protected.
Criteria
- Stands in the way of abuse
- Educates caregivers/adults
- Creates a safe space for children
- Helps others recognize/report abuse
2024 Winners: Dr. Rachel Crampton & Dr. Chan Lowe
Dr. Cramton and Dr. Lowe have many roles as Banner Physicians including Child Abuse Recognition and Treatment with the Banner CARE (Children at Risk Evaluation) team. Child Abuse Prevention, Recognition, and Advocacy is a constant, and they pour an incredible amount of time and energy, beyond “the job” into this work. Dr. Cramton and Dr. Lowe provide education about recognition of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, trafficking and more to colleagues within the hospital system, the advocacy center, law enforcement, DCS, the legal system and anyone in the community who requests them to share their knowledge and expertise. Dr. Cramton and Dr. Lowe create a safe space for children to communicate, receive care, and heal. Together their efforts bring innovative and trusted ways to strengthen families, educate providers, and support families by improving parents’ understanding of child development and effective ways to discipline their children.
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The Healing Award
This award is given to exceptional individuals, groups, or organizations whose efforts are centered on the critical mission of helping children heal from the profound and often lasting trauma caused by abuse and neglect. The recipients of this award understand that healing is not just a process but a journey, and their dedication and compassion embody the belief that with the right support, every child can not only survive but also thrive.
Criteria
- Supports children after the abuse
- Helps parents/caregivers support their child
- Provides healing services
2024 Winner: Pima County Attorney’s Courthouse Dog Program
The Courthouse Dog program is an integral part of the victims services division at the Pima County Attorney’s Office. It utilizes specialized facility dogs who are instrumental in helping victims in the criminal justice system. Two full time dog handlers, Kristen Fitzpatrick and Nicole Vigil, work with Baja and Arrow, with support from a secondary dog handler, Kristin Carter. Courthouse dogs assist crime victims and witnesses; the majority of whom are children. They alleviate stress during legal proceedings such as victim meetings, court hearings, and trials. The special care that is provided by these dogs and their handlers to victims of crime is invaluable. Both Baja and Arrow provide a type of advocacy and care that transcends any traditional advocacy by forming a loving and gentle, tactile approach in which victims are able to receive support both physically and mentally during the stressful events of their criminal case.
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The Accountability Award
This award is given to exemplary individuals, groups, or organizations that investigate and prosecute those who perpetrate harm upon our youth. The recipients of this award exemplify the courage needed to confront evil, the strength to seek truth, and the determination to ensure that the rights and safety of our children are upheld at all costs. Their pursuit of justice is driven by an unyielding belief in the rights and safety of every child.
Criteria
- Investigates or prosecutes interpersonal violence
- Considers the needs of the victim over prosecution
- Ensures fairness to the accused
2024 Winner: Scott Anders
Detective Scott Anders has distinguished himself through 22 years of exceptionally selfless service to this community as a commissioned member of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. Det. Anders has worked to protect children and hold abusers accountable. He has a tremendously positive impact on the lives of child victims and their families by aggressively and tirelessly investigating physical and sexual crimes against children. He is a highly effective investigator who seeks to support the voices of the children who have been harmed. His integrity is unflappable, and he holds the law and rights of everyone involved above all else. In addition to being an effective investigator, Det. Anders is a strong trainer and mentor for new detectives, sharing his vast knowledge and experience. His fellow investigators often seek out his expertise as a digital forensic analyst. His efforts have resulted in 124 offenders arrested and counting.
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The Compassion Award
This award is presented to outstanding individuals, groups, or organizations that champion the needs and concerns of caregivers and professionals who nurture and support children. The recipients of this award advocate for the needs of caregivers and professionals to improve the lives of those who dedicate themselves to children. Their work reminds us that supporting those who care for children ensures that each child has the opportunity to reach their full potential in a nurturing and empowering environment.
Criteria
- Advocates for the needs of caregivers/professionals
- Addresses how personal experience colors this work
- Seeks balance between victim and caregiver needs
2024 Winner: Anna Loebe
Anna provides classes and workshops on trauma-informed parenting. She incorporates her own experiences into the classes and workshops in order to provide examples of the approaches that she teaches. She stresses self care for caregivers and provides a balanced perspective that honors both the victim and the caregiver/ parents throughout the trainings. She encourages others to share their experiences and questions, always thanks and recognizes others’ contributions, and conveys a patient, positive attitude toward life. The two most important lessons she teaches are that these caregivers are not alone in what they are experiencing and that there is hope. Despite the horrors of the past, the difficulties of the present, and the enduring nature of trauma, Anna always offers hope for healing, recovery, and strength. She touches the lives of all those who learn from her.
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The Dan Gregory Memorial Award
This award, known as the ‘Dan Gregory Memorial Award,’ is established in loving memory of Dan Gregory and is bestowed upon an exceptional individual who exemplifies unwavering professionalism and a commitment to supporting child victims. Daniel Lee Gregory was an exceptional children’s advocate through his work with child victims, including at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southern Arizona. He worked with thousands of victims in Pima County, and served as a leader for the State and the Nation. He was unwaveringly compassionate and positive, lifting the spirits of everyone around him. Tragically he passed away in July of 2022.
This award is given in honor of his lasting impact and the legacy he left for our community. It serves as a tribute to the compassion and selflessness needed to champion the rights and support healing for children in our community. Through their dedication, awardees inspire positive change, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve. This award stands as a testament to the power of empathy and the profound difference one person can make in the lives of young survivors.
Criteria
- Job must be clearly focused on victim services, investigation, or child welfare
- Minimum 5 years in the field
- Goes "above and beyond" for child victims
2024 Winner: Carol Puske
Carol Punske has had a lifetime commitment to children and families. Starting in the late 1970’s, Carol began her child welfare career with Catholic Community Services before dedicating 30 years to Child Protective Services! After retiring for the first time, Carol worked an additional 10 years at Casey Family Programs with foster, kinship, and adoptive families. She retired for the second time in in 2022, but is still active as a volunteer for foster care organizations and with animals. She also reads books to elementary students in her spare time. Carol is a passionate, soft-spoken person who does not ever try to take credit for success. She will do whatever it takes to find a service or resource that improves a child’s life. Carol has been a Statewide leader in improving foster children’s access to services aimed specifically at the unique needs of foster children. Quite simply, Carol has been a shining light in child welfare for the past 35 years.
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Questions? Call 520-724-6600 or email awards@soazadvocacy.org