The announcement precedes the upcoming "National Celebration of Joy," a gala event scheduled to take place this November at Washington, D.C.’s historic Howard Theatre. The gala was established by CDF to shine a light on extraordinary changemakers and youth advocates, while simultaneously celebrating the powerful partnerships that drive the organization’s ongoing mission. Beyond honoring individual and institutional leaders, the gathering serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit required to tackle systemic challenges facing America’s younger generations.
At the heart of the November gala is the presentation of the Marian Wright Edelman Advocate for Joy Award, CDF’s highest and most distinguished honor. Named in profound tribute to CDF Founder and President Emerita Marian Wright Edelman, the award is reserved for servant leaders and organizations whose steadfast advocacy and partnership have made a tangible, demonstrable difference in the daily lives and long-term trajectories of children and families.
Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, President and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund, emphasized the significance of the award and the legacy of its namesake during the announcement. The Marian Wright Edelman Advocate for Joy Award stands as CDF’s highest honor, recognizing servant leaders whose advocacy and partnership have made a demonstrable difference in the lives of children, young people, and families, Dr. Wilson noted, adding that this year the award has been officially renamed in honor of the organization’s visionary founder.
This year, CDF is proud to recognize Casey Family Programs as a premier recipient of the honor. Operating nationwide, Casey Family Programs stands as America’s largest operating foundation focused specifically on safely reducing the need for foster care while simultaneously improving the overall safety, permanence, and well-being of children within the child welfare system.
The Seattle-based organization traces its roots back to 1966, when it was established by United Parcel Service founder Jim Casey. Over the course of six decades, the foundation has evolved into a cornerstone of child welfare reform. Today, Casey Family Programs is led by President and CEO William C. Bell, Ph.D. Under Dr. Bell’s strategic direction, the foundation oversees nine field offices and directs a dedicated staff that works hand-in-hand with vulnerable youth, families, and communities directly impacted by the public child welfare system.
The formal presentation of the award will take place during the National Celebration of Joy on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The evening’s program will commence with dinner at 7:00 p.m. at the historic Howard Theatre, located at 620 T Street NW in Washington, D.C., bringing together national leaders, philanthropists, advocates, and youth voices to commemorate six decades of progress and ongoing dedication.
Reflecting on the selection of this year’s institutional honoree, Dr. Wilson praised Casey Family Programs for its visionary approach to child well-being and its historic, enduring partnership with the Children’s Defense Fund. He highlighted how these shared values make the foundation a uniquely fitting recipient of the newly renamed award.
It is our privilege to honor Casey Family Programs as the first institutional recipient of the Marian Wright Edelman Award, Dr. Wilson stated. For 60 years, Casey Family Programs has been building Communities of Hope to ensure more children grow up safely at home. Working in all fifty states, their mission is to provide and improve — and ultimately prevent the need for — foster care. Casey Family Programs is one of CDF’s most enduring institutional partners in advocacy, thought leadership, investment, and a shared commitment.
The collaboration between CDF and Casey Family Programs reflects a shared strategic vision rooted in prevention, community empowerment, and systemic reform. By supporting policies that strengthen families before crises occur, both organizations have worked tirelessly to reshape how the nation approaches child welfare and youth advocacy. The November gala at the Howard Theatre will not only celebrate these monumental achievements but will also reinforce the collective resolve needed to address the persistent challenges facing America’s youth in the years to come.
