Nonprofit Every Child named Champion in Action by Citizens Bank

A nonprofit providing support and clinical services to families in the region will embark upon a campaign advocating for children with obsessive-compulsive disorder with the help of a $35,000 award from Citizens Bank, officials announced Wednesday.

The award, from the bank’s Champions in Action program, will go toward Every Child’s work to increase awareness of OCD.

It also provides media coverage and public service announcements from Trib Total Media, as well as volunteer support from the media organization, Citizens Bank and Pittsburgh Cares.

Every Child was founded in 1997 and initially focused on supporting foster children with medical needs. It has since broadened the scope of its mission to include mental health and other clinical services to children and families, as well of program specifically for parents of teenagers and children with OCD.

“Every Child established … with one simple objective: that every child receives the nurturing and support they need and deserve to learn and grow,” said Laura A. Maines, chief executive of the organization. “Over almost 25 years, we have remained laser-focused on that objective and have empowered families and strengthened our future, one child at a time.”

The organization, she said, is the only family-based service in Allegheny County for children and teens diagnosed with OCD. Additional counties are seeking Every Child’s help to fill service gaps in their communities.

The award money will help support the OCD awareness campaign and toolkits for teachers and other service providers.

The Champions in Action program is in its 20^th year, and it’s awarded more than $10 million to 362 organizations, including more than $1 million to 50 nonprofits in Pittsburgh.

The award aims to recognize nonprofits for their community contributions.

Champions in Action supporters praised the work of Every Child.

“Education and awareness around mental health are integral to our capacity to live a healthy and balanced life,” said Mark Rendulic, president of the bank’s Pittsburgh market. He noted that the nonprofit’s work in addressing “the unique social and mental health challenges” of the community makes them perfectly poised to receive the award.

Jennifer Bertetto, president and chief executive of Trib Total Media, agreed.

“Every Child follows the core values of empowerment, collaboration, inclusion, excellence and growth to provide much-needed care, support and services to children and families across Southwestern Pennsylvania,” Bertetto said. “They are truly a champion in action as they work to build stronger communities by empowering local families.”

For more information, visit www.everychildinc.org