Children's Village Honored with a 2023 Welcoming Award for Education Excellence from the City of Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs!

Reflecting Children’s Village commitment to and respect for all children and families, Children’s Village received a 2023 Welcoming Award for Education Excellence from the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. Children’s Village was one of only two awardees for Education Excellence and among the10 programs recognized for outstanding contributions and dedication to Philadelphia’s immigrants.

“Parents and families are a child's first and most important teachers. Children’s Village believes that family engagement is a key component to student success and every family has a right to inclusive and equitable access to information. We are grateful we can guide immigrant families and connect them to Children’s Village’s and community resources to ensure these children and their families thrive. We are honored by this esteemed recognition,” says Mary Graham, Executive Director, Children’s Village.

About the Award

Founded by the Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs in 2022, the Philadelphia Welcoming Awards’ goal is to recognize government and community leaders who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in immigrant inclusion and empowerment in Philadelphia. In 2023, Philadelphia was officially designated as a Certified Welcoming City by Welcoming America, an effort that required coordination with many different City agencies as well as with a robust network of immigrant- and refugee-serving community organizations and leaders, all of whom work tirelessly together towards a shared vision for our city in ways that often go unseen.

Accepting the award at the November 17, 2023 reception at the Mayor’s Reception Room and Conversation Hall are (l tor) Children’s Village’s Min Kunster, Family Partnership Coordinator; Ingrid Jauss, Development Director; Sophia Niu, Bilingual Parent/Teacher Coordinator; and Beth Baker, Family Sevices Director.

Ellen Saint Clair