February is Parent Recognition Month. Strengthening Families Washington, of the Department of Early Learning for Washington State, believes there is no better way to recognize a parent, grandparent, foster or adoptive parent than by acknowledging the numerous and impressive things they do to strengthen their family and those around them in their community.
Seattle's Child is proud to sponsor the Washington Unsung Hero Awards, recognizing our everyday heroes and honoring the important role caregivers play in children's lives. There are 28 nominees for the 28 days of February, and Seattle's Child will highlight each and every one.
Congratulations to the Unsung Hero for February 9:
Lynn Urvina – Olympia
I am pleased to submit this nomination form for Lynn Urvina. After raising their own four children, Lynn and her husband Lars have joined together to raise their granddaughter Tara. I first met both Lars and Lynn as they began participating in the Kinship Support group offered through our non-profit organization. Then, six years ago, Lynn applied and was hired to work as a Kinship Navigator serving Kinship Caregivers in a tri-county area.
Lynn is an upbeat, optimistic person who has only the best interest of children in her heart. I have seen Lynn go to extraordinary lengths to ensure the needs of Kinship families are met. She finds beds and delivers them on the weekend. She negotiates donated hot water heaters for frazzled grandmothers who live in rural locations. Recently she coordinated holiday and emergency gifts for over 200 low-income Kinship Caregivers. Because of Lynn many children in our community are living in safer permanent housing and thriving.
Lynn helps Kinship Caregivers in a variety of ways. She leads support groups, presents to community groups about Kinship Care, and often serves as a link to further resources for families in need. In addition Lynn volunteers for a variety of community groups in an effort to advocate for Kin Care. She is the President of her Kiwanis Club, she serves as a liaison and on the Board of FPAWS in order to promote collaboration between Foster and Kinship Caregivers and also serves on other community coalitions and committees.
Recently both Lynn and Lars accepted a second granddaughter into their home. While I know this has taxed her in time, she wouldn't have it any other way. Any child would be fortunate to be raised by such extraordinary people who go to such great lengths to ensure the safety and well-being of ALL children. Lynn goes the extra mile to ensure Kinship Caregivers have the resources necessary to ensure children thrive. I hope you will honor her efforts and the tremendous difference she has had in our community.
Nominator: Shelly Willis
