Co-founder of Arizona-based child abuse nonprofit passes away at 90 – azfamily.com

Report on the Legacy of Yvonne Fedderson and Childhelp’s Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Yvonne Fedderson, a philanthropist, retired actress, and co-founder of the nonprofit organization Childhelp, passed away at the age of 90. This report highlights her legacy and the significant role Childhelp plays in advancing several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to child welfare and protection.

Background of Yvonne Fedderson

• Born Yvonne Glee Lime on April 7, 1935, in Glendale, California.
• Graduated from the Pasadena Playhouse and pursued an acting career in the 1950s and 1960s under the name Yvonne Lime.
• Co-founded International Orphans Inc. in 1959 with Sara O’Meara, which later became Childhelp.

Childhelp: Mission and Impact

Childhelp is a leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting abused, neglected, and at-risk children. The organization’s headquarters is located in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Services Provided by Childhelp

1. Residential treatment services
2. Children’s advocacy centers
3. Therapeutic foster care
4. Group homes
5. Child abuse prevention, education, and training

Scope of Impact

• Supported more than 14 million children since its founding.
• Operates multiple locations across the Valley to provide continuous support.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Childhelp’s work aligns with several key SDGs, including:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Through therapeutic foster care and residential treatment, Childhelp promotes the physical and mental health of vulnerable children.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – The organization’s education and training programs help prevent child abuse and empower children and communities.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – By focusing on at-risk and neglected children, Childhelp works to reduce inequalities and provide equal opportunities for all children.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Child advocacy centers contribute to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice for abuse victims.

Tribute from Co-founder Sara O’Meara

Sara O’Meara, Childhelp co-founder and CEO, expressed deep gratitude for Yvonne Fedderson’s lifelong dedication:

“Yvonne was my dearest friend and my partner in this mission for more than six decades. Her compassion, strength and belief in the power of love shaped Childhelp from its earliest days. I will forever be grateful for the life we built together in service to children.”

Conclusion

The passing of Yvonne Fedderson marks the loss of a visionary leader whose commitment to child welfare has had a profound and lasting impact. Childhelp continues to embody the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals by fostering safe, healthy, and equitable environments for children in need.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article discusses Childhelp’s work in providing therapeutic foster care, residential treatment services, and child abuse prevention, which contribute to the health and well-being of children.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education – Childhelp’s focus on education and training related to child abuse prevention aligns with ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The organization’s advocacy centers and efforts to protect children from abuse relate to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice, and building effective institutions.
4. SDG 1: No Poverty (implied) – By supporting at-risk and neglected children, Childhelp indirectly addresses poverty-related vulnerabilities that affect children’s welfare.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3 Targets:
   • Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being – through therapeutic foster care and treatment services.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services – Childhelp provides essential health and therapeutic services to children.
2. SDG 4 Targets:
   • Target 4.7: Ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including human rights and child protection – through education and training on child abuse prevention.
3. SDG 16 Targets:
   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children – directly addressed by Childhelp’s mission and services.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice for all – through children’s advocacy centers helping victims access justice and protection.
4. SDG 1 Targets (implied):
   • Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children living in poverty – by supporting at-risk children who are often in poverty.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Number of children supported: The article states Childhelp has supported more than 14 million children, which can be an indicator of outreach and impact.
2. Access to therapeutic and residential services: Indicators related to the availability and utilization of residential treatment, foster care, and advocacy services.
3. Incidence rates of child abuse and neglect: Although not explicitly mentioned, reduction in abuse cases would be a key indicator aligned with SDG 16.2.
4. Training and education sessions conducted: Number of educational programs and trainings on child abuse prevention as a measure of awareness and capacity building.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: azfamily.com