Annual Awards
Nominations for 2022 are open! Click here to nominate an individual or group from a local United Methodist Church or a community agency for their advocacy for children and youth.
Every year United Voices for Children gives awards to honor remarkable ministry volunteer service or advocacy efforts on behalf of children, youth, and/or families throughout the Northern Illinois Conference.
These awards are:
- Bishop Jesse R. DeWitt Child Advocacy Award
Bishop Jesse R. DeWitt (1980-1988) led by example as he participated, represented, and spoke out for children, youth, and families who did not have a voice. One of his greatest passions was speaking out to educate and inform local churches about legislation and issues impacting the lives of children.
Full list of Bishop Jesse DeWitt Child Advocacy Award winners. - Katherine B. Greene Child Worker Award
Katherine B. Greene was a past president and founding representative of United Voices for Children who put forth tremendous efforts in promoting child advocacy, working faithfully against child abuse advancing and supporting children with unmet needs across the Northern Illinois Conference. She reminded and challenged us to step up, step forth and speak out for children.
Full list of Katherine B. Greene Child Worker Award winners - Rev. Margaret Ann Williams Service Award
Rev. Margaret Ann Williams, former Associate Executive of Church Relations at Marcy Newberry, served on the United Voices for Children Board of Directors for 33 years, including a term as president. Rev. Williams’ dedicated service has influenced the lives of children, the church, and the community for nearly 50 years. Award recipients model her “Joy of Serving” within the Northern Illinois Conference Community.
Full list of Margaret Ann Williams Service Award winners
Any United Methodist member, congregation, or friend of UVC in Northern Illinois and the Chicagoland area can submit a nomination to receive one of these awards.
2021 Awardees
Bishop Jesse R. DeWitt Child Advocacy Award Co-Winner
Rev. Jeremiah Lee, Naperville:Community
Rev. Lee is a youth pastor reaching out to junior and senior high school students at Community UMC in Naperville. He stepped up when he was appointed to CUMC when Deacon Nick Nicholas had to go on a health leave in late 2019. Rev. Lee is an active and engaging youth pastor going beyond to model serving and helping youth in need. He is involved with the Anti-Racism Task Force in the Northern Illinois Conference and he promotes congregational mission and ministry in partnership with Kids Above All in practical and unique ways that seek to make connections to social justice and equity.
Bishop Jesse R. DeWitt Child Advocacy Award Co-Winners
Justice Generation Young Adult Leaders
Emerson Jordan-Wood
Jennifer Kirkpatrick
Emma Trevor
Nura Zaki
These four young adult leaders have served Justice Generation, a youth ministry initiative for high school students in conjunction with the NIC’s Antiracism Task Force. They pioneered the young adult leader role through Justice Generation during the pandemic, primarily online, with utmost dedication and enthusiasm. Their leadership for this initiative with intent to become an action body for racial justice offers a continued opportunity for young adults to engage in purposeful ministry with great impact. Mixing their professional skills with in this forum, not to mention, their commitment to the UMC, has been exciting and inspiring.
Rev. Margaret Ann Williams Service Award Co-Winner
Carol Risenhoover, Rockford:Centennial
Carol directed, managed, and scheduled educators and volunteers for a Saturday Kids Club (SKC). She coached, led training, and promoted children advocacy at her church and in the community of Rockford. Carol advocates for resources and meals for the program; has led fundraisers, planning and implementation of events and activities. Moreover, she volunteered for 27 years for SKC.
Rev. Margaret Ann Williams Service Award Co-Winner
Cindy Minju Oh, DeKalb:First
As a high school junior, Cindy was a passionate participant in Justice Generation and serving with their young adult leaders. She assisted in organizing a 10,000 free mask distribution to low-income families through a Korean company; participated in school as a tutor; and is an Amazing Grace with Peace Movement Founder to increase awareness around the Korean border that separates families. She also founded Asiadentity to empower the voices and the identities of Asian children, youth, and community.