NEWS RELEASE
April 7, 2026
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com
Community members gather to learn about Center for Child Counseling and drive change for kids.
Founding members of Center for Child Counseling (CFCC)’s Circle of Giving, Jeff and Jodie Petrone, hosted an inspiring evening on Thursday, March 26, celebrating the community’s shared commitment to supporting children and families affected by trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
CFCC launched its Circle of Giving, chaired by Melissa Haley, in November 2023 to drive action and change. The Circle unites philanthropists, advocates, and community leaders dedicated to advancing children’s mental health through meaningful investment and strategic action.
“Together, we turn awareness into tangible change and create lasting pathways to healing for children in our community. We aim to take action and drive advocacy toward a brighter future by forming a circle of love, protection, and healing around our community’s children,” stated Renée Layman, chief executive officer of CFCC.
Mr. Petrone, treasurer and secretary of the board of directors, shared that there is an increased need across schools, healthcare, and families, and organizations like CFCC are essential to helping address those needs in a thoughtful, evidence-based, and compassionate way.
“Being a founding member of the Circle of Giving has been meaningful because it brings together people who are not only willing to support this work, but who want to understand it more deeply and be part of it. And that’s really what tonight is about—connection, understanding, and shared commitment,” said Mr. Petrone.
For 2026, CFCC reimagined the Circle of Giving experience–offering new opportunities for connection, learning, leadership, and impact.
According to Haley, “We’ve realized that what makes the Circle special is not just the giving, it’s the relationships, the learning, and the opportunity to see the work up close. As we move forward, we’re focusing on creating a more intentional experience for members.”
As a way to demonstrate this ‘intentional experience,’ guests had the opportunity to tour the Center’s mobile unit–a 25-foot bus that drives the Center’s mental health care services directly to the kids who need it most. It is a moving, healing space that delivers trauma-informed care, prevention tools, and hope to hurting children. The mobile unit eliminates barriers to accessing care and transforms how services are delivered throughout the county: ensuring that no child’s future is determined by their zip code.
Layman emphasized, “It’s what it looks like when we bring support directly to children and families who might not otherwise receive it. And it’s just one example of how CFCC is working to build a system that responds to children in a different way.”
The Center’s work is grounded in the understanding that children need safe, supportive relationships and environments to thrive. When those are disrupted, it impacts everything—health, behavior, learning, and long-term outcomes.
“But we also know something incredibly hopeful—that positive experiences, connection, and support can change that trajectory.”
The kickoff event marked the start of an exciting new chapter for CFCC–one that is being shaped by the Center’s Circle of Giving.
”Tonight is really about recognizing that this work doesn’t happen alone–it happens through partnership. So, thank you for being here, for your interest, and for your willingness to be a part of this Circle,” Layman expressed.
For more information on the Center for Child Counseling and to be a part of a community that is committed to children and families, and to learning and growing together, visit centerforchildcounseling.org/givingcircle.
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