Florida’s Children First Honors Broward County Advocates for Children
Junior League of Greater Ft. Lauderdale members receive the Florida’s Children First 2025 Outstanding Non-Profit Advocate for Children Award from Broward County Commissioner Nan Rich
Florida’s Children First, an award-winning non-profit organization that has been a voice for at–risk children and youth in Florida, celebrated the achievements of child advocates and former youth in foster care at FCF’s 23rd annual Broward County Advocates for Children Awards.
“Each honoree has made a profound impact on child welfare in our community,” said Howard Talenfeld, FCF co-founder, board president, and lead partner of the Justice for Kids Division of Kelley Kronenberg.
Children’s Harbor Board member Troy Sorel (from left) with 2025 Outstanding Child Advocate honoree Tiffani Dhooge and FCF Board President Howard Talenfeld
This year’s award recipients included Children’s Harbor CEO Tiffani Dhooge, who was named the 2025 Outstanding Child Advocate, and The Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale, which received the 2025 Outstanding Non-Profit Advocate for Children award for their work founding SOS Children’s Village, Jack and Jill Nursery, and FLITE Center, among others.
The ceremony kicked off with a special proclamation presented by Broward County Commissioner and former Florida legislator Nan Rich, naming March 13, 2025, as “Florida Youth SHINE” day in Broward County, to mark the 20th anniversary of Florida Youth SHINE, the groundbreaking foster youth advocacy and leadership group founded by FCF.
“I am so proud of Florida Youth SHINE’s 20-year milestone, and the amazing youth who have not only overcome tremendous personal odds but used their courage and experiences to help change the system for thousands of other kids who have come after them,” said Talenfield.
Hosted by NBC news anchor Roxanne Vargas, more than 200 people gathered at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts to recognize the accomplishments of passionate community leaders who support the mission of FCF by making positive changes in the lives of children who are abused, neglected, experiencing homelessness, or in foster care.
Florida’s Children First is a non-profit, nonpartisan, independent advocacy organization committed to protecting and advancing the rights of children and youth impacted by the child welfare, juvenile justice, and disability systems through systemic reform, education, youth voice, and promoting high-quality legal representation. For more information, visit www.floridaschildrenfirst.org.
