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Devereux’s Gwen Skinner named one of the CWLA’s ‘100 Champions for Children’

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Vice President of Operations Gwen Skinner was recently selected as one of the Child Welfare League of America’s (CWLA) “100 Champions for Children.”

The CWLA, the oldest child welfare organization in the U.S., celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020 and honored 100 individuals and organizations for their efforts to promote child well-being and advance the field of child welfare.

Skinner was named a “champion” as a result of her 30-plus years of behavioral healthcare experience.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition because I know so many professionals in the fields of child welfare and behavioral health who are worthy of this award,” Skinner said. “I highly respect the CWLA and its efforts to improve the lives of millions of children across the country. In addition, I am grateful to work for Devereux, a mission-driven organization that gives me the support, opportunities and resources I need to do the work I love.”

A personal mission to support youth

As vice president of operations, Skinner is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations – including all programs and services – at Devereux’s Georgia, Florida and Texas centers.

In addition to her many professional contributions, Skinner has made it her personal mission to support children and adolescents in need.

In 1990, she formed the Villa Rica Civic Association, a volunteer organization that for many years worked with local governments, law enforcement agencies, schools, churches and businesses to provide food and toys to up to 500 children annually.

Also, Skinner and her husband have provided a safe, loving and nurturing home to more than 40 foster children.

“I am blessed in a variety of ways – sharing those blessings is the right thing to do,” Skinner explained. “Many children placed in foster care have experienced some form of trauma. Providing the care, stability and attention they need can alter the entire course of their lives. The most rewarding part of having served as a foster parent has been the positive impact fostering has had on my own family.”

About the CWLA

The CWLA, a coalition of hundreds of private and public agencies, is committed to creating and advancing standards of practice, advocacy and information sharing to enhance the well-being of children and families.

Since 1920, the CWLA has worked to support youth who have experienced abuse, neglect, family disruption or other factors that jeopardize their health or safety. The vision of the CWLA is that every child will grow up in a safe, loving and stable family.

Learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

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