Champions for Children
November 16, 2016
Above and Beyond for Children
In October, Children’s Cove held its 19th Annual Champions for Children Conference, which was also our first virtual conference. Over the last 10 years, our team has awarded deserving individuals or agencies with the Above and Beyond for Children Award during each conference. This award is given to individuals who show dedication and commitment to protect children on the Cape & Islands.
This year we we’re honored to name Detective Michael Zontini as this year’s recipient. Detective Zontini specializes in investigations involving crimes against children, disabled persons, and adult sexual assaults. He currently serves on the Massachusetts Governor’s Council to address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence; specifically, he serves on their working group for the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Human Trafficking, and the sub-committee to develop investigative guidelines for law enforcement agencies across the state. Detective Zontini is in his 27th year of law enforcement and holds a bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement and a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration.
Michael Zontini (or as we know him as just “Z”) demonstrates what it means to be a true champion for Children. Z is a dedicated law enforcement professional who minds every detail in his cases, while also remaining victim focused and putting the needs of each child as his foremost priority. Z, we truly appreciate all you do, and you are incredibly deserving of this award. Since we couldn’t be in person to honor him, some members of the Children’s Cove staff and multidisciplinary team made a video tribute for Detective Zontini.
Thank you for everything you do to help victims feel heard, believed and safe.”
Community Partner Spotlight
Another way we recognize champions in our community is through our Community Partner Spotlight. This year, we put the spotlight on the wonderful work of Cape Cod Children’s Place. We have worked with Cape Cod Children’s Place for several years now. The agency provides year-round, full-day early education and care for children of the Outer and Lower Cape. They also provide free parent education programs and free playgroups promoting early literacy and community connections for isolated families, while continuing to develop new services to meet the needs of our changing community.
Recently Cape Cod Children’s Place was selected by the Children’s Trust as the pilot site for the Stop Abuse For Every Child Communities initiative. During the initial stage of the pilot, Cindy Hogan and Cape Cod Children’s Place worked with Children’s Cove and other community organizations to strategize the steps to support a mutual vision of a community free of child abuse.
Recently Cape Cod Children’s Place was selected by the Children’s Trust as the pilot site for the Stop Abuse For Every Child Communities initiative. During the initial stage of the pilot, Cindy Hogan and Cape Cod Children’s Place worked with Children’s Cove and other community organizations to strategize the steps to support a mutual vision of a community free of child abuse.
Though our partnership, both Children’s Cove and Cape Cod Children’s Place work together to promote safe and healthy families. As partners, we provide free parent education to teach parents, caregivers and grandparents raising grandchildren about child development, social and emotional wellness, body safety, online safety and ways to support children who report abuse. There are new initiatives we will launch together over the next year to increase access to our entire community, in a safe and comfortable way, to support children in our community.
Thank you, Cindy, and the entire team at Cape Cod Children’s Place for being an invaluable community partner for children and families across Cape Cod & Islands.
