Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Celebrates Renée Layman as an Angels in Adoption® Honoree

NEWS RELEASE
October 4, 2024
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) Celebrates Renée Layman as an Angels in Adoption® Honoree

U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) celebrated Renée Layman, CEO of Center for Child Counseling (CFCC), as a 2024 Angels in Adoption® Honoree for her outstanding advocacy for adoption and foster care issues. The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), which coordinates the Angels in Adoption® Program, honored Layman on September 11, 2024, at their annual Angels in Adoption® Celebration in Washington, D.C.

Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick honored Layman for her passionate advocacy for child and family health, equity, and the provision of high-quality prevention, early intervention, and trauma-informed services. Layman is a leader in implementing and promoting comprehensive mental health solutions and eliminating barriers to services. Her commitment to equity ensures that all children and families have access to the resources they need to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. 

“Renée’s advocacy and leadership in the mental health community have significantly contributed to the well-being of countless children and families. She has set an unparalleled standard for mental health services, ensuring that our youngest residents and their parents receive the long-term support and care they need to find stability and a sense of belonging”, said Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick.

Layman is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with almost thirty years of experience in mental health. As President and Chief Executive Officer for CFCC since 2013, she has spearheaded significant initiatives in child and family mental health–specifically related to trauma-informed care and the prevention, awareness, and healing of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

Layman’s leadership extends well beyond her work at CFCC. She is the current vice president and incoming president of the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health. She is past co-chair of the Leadership Palm Beach County Engage program (2014-2016), volunteering with the organization for more than six years, including playing a leadership role with their Health and Human Services Committee. She is a past president of the Nonprofit Chamber of Palm Beach County and continues to serve on their board to support local nonprofits. She chairs PBC’s Birth to 22 Trauma Sensitive Community Leaders Education Committee. She is also on the Board of Directors of the Florida Network for Youth and Family Services, a not-for-profit statewide organization representing more than 30 agencies that serve homeless, runaway, and troubled youth ages six and older and their families. This work is in line with her vision to support children and families across Florida. 

The Angels in Adoption® Program is CCAI’s signature public awareness event and provides an annual opportunity for all members of the U.S. Congress to learn of and recognize the great work of their constituents who have enriched the lives of vulnerable children and families in the United States and abroad. This year, 57 Angels from 34 states were honored through the 26th Annual Angels in Adoption® Program. Read the full list of honorees here.

About Center for Child Counseling:

Center for Child Counseling has been building the foundation for playful, healthful, and hopeful living for children and families in Palm Beach County since 1999. Its services focus on preventing and healing the effects of adverse experiences and toxic stress on children, promoting resiliency and healthy family, school, and community relationships. As of October 2022, KidSafe Foundation now operates under Center for Child Counseling as the two entities are now stronger together in their education and prevention of child sexual abuse and childhood trauma.

www.centerforchildcounseling.org Twitter: @ChildCounselPBC Facebook: @CenterforChildCounseling Instagram: @childcounselpbc

About Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute

CCAI is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about children and youth in the United States and around the world in need of permanent, safe, and nurturing families. Founded in 2001 by the Co-Chairs of the Adoption Caucus – the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, which is the largest bipartisan, bicameral caucus in the U.S. Congress – CCAI works with the caucus to eliminate policy barriers that hinder children from realizing their basic right of a family and more effectively raise congressional and public awareness on permanency as it related to adoption, foster care, and child welfare. For more information, visit www.ccainstitute.org.

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