Donna C. Pressma, President & CEO of The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey (CHS of NJ) received the prestigious David Roth Leadership Award at the Child Welfare League of America’s (CWLA) Gala Dinner in Arlington, VA. Pressma was honored for her lifelong commitment to the well-being and healthy development of children and for her and CHS of NJ’s national contributions to the at-risk children of America.
“I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition,” said Christine L. James-Brown, CEO of CWLA. “Donna and her team at CHS of NJ consistently go above and beyond what is required in order to serve their children and families. The most recent and visible example is the response to (Hurricane) Sandy, but I know that every day lives of thousands of children are made better by the work of the organization.”
Since the hurricane destroyed areas of the New Jersey shore and the towns along the coast, CHS of NJ staff have continued to ensure that children and families receive the resources, counseling and guidance they need to move forward in their lives and keep the tragedies and losses of the storm in check so they can thrive despite the unexpected and life-changing setbacks they’ve encountered. CHS of NJ has received over $150,000 in Sandy grants and awards to enhance its services in these overwhelmed areas.
Pressma has spent the past 26 years leading the staff at CHS of NJ as the President and CEO of the agency. Under her guidance, the agency has grown from a team of 14 staff to nearly 200 full and part-time professionals. Her vision and dedication to working only for the best interest of the children and families have helped to build CHS of NJ into a leading child-welfare agency.
Pressma was previously the Executive Director of The Chicago Jewish Children’s Bureau. Prior to that, she was responsible for the State of Connecticut’s child welfare services from 1970 to 1975.
“I can only hope I can continue to be half the humanitarian and leader David Roth was in his own lifetime,” Pressma said. “I am able to be a leader because of my terrific Children’s Home Society of New Jersey team: my staff, my parent advisors, my board, my foster parents, and my volunteers. And we must each give a part of our own time, energy and ideas to keep that national voice for children loud and strong through our work with the Child Welfare League of America.”
For more information, visit chsofnj.org.
