Strong communities are built when schools, families, and support services work together to help children succeed, and Marc Winger has long been a champion of that partnership.
Throughout his distinguished career in education, Marc served local students and families as an administrator in both the Sulphur Springs and Newhall School Districts. His connection to Child & Family Center began in the 1980s when he served on a committee and later on the Center`s Foundation Board. After retiring from the Newhall School District in 2015, he joined the Board of Directors and later served as Board President. In this special anniversary reflection, Marc shares how hearing client success stories reinforced the important connection between mental health, family well-being, and student success. He also recognizes the dedication of Child & Family Center`s staff and leadership in helping children and families thrive.
Join us on September 17 as we celebrate 50 years of Child & Family Center, honoring the people, stories, and partnerships that have shaped our journey.
🎟️To mark this special anniversary, tickets are just $50. Click on the link in our bio or visit https://www.childfamilycenter.org/child-family-center-50th-anniversary/.
#ChildFamilyCenter #SCV #EducationMatters #YouthMentalHealth #SantaClaritaCommunity
💜 Sponsor Spotlight 💜
We`re grateful to MB2 Entertainment and Jerry and Ellen Jacobson for supporting Child & Family Center`s 5K Walk for Domestic Violence Awareness. Their generosity helps strengthen our Domestic Violence Program, providing advocacy, resources, safety planning, and compassionate support for individuals and families on their path to healing.
Every step taken at the Purple Walk helps raise awareness and fund life-changing services. Whether you walk, donate, fundraise, or share our mission, you`re helping create a safer, stronger community.
📅 October 10, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM
✨ Sign up by September 15 to get a free T-shirt with your registration! Click on the link in our bio or visit https://www.childfamilycenter.org/purple-walk/.
Together, we`re making strides toward hope, healing, and change. 💜👟
#PurpleWalk #5KWalkForDomesticViolence #ChildFamilyCenter #SupportSurvivors #ThankYouSponsors
💜 Healing can come from many places, including the companionship of a beloved pet.
Join us for the 2026 Purple Walk on October 10 as we come together to support survivors of domestic violence and raise funds for Child & Family Center`s Domestic Violence Program.
🎟 Register today, through the link in our bio, and complete the 5K walk with purpose. Or visit https://www.childfamilycenter.org/purple-walk/.
#PurpleWalk #ChildFamilyCenter #SupportSurvivors #SCV #MakingADifference
Larry Schallert helped expand Child & Family Center`s reach and impact for 15 years, supporting innovative programs that improved access to quality mental health services for local children and families.
After first collaborating with Child & Family Center through quality improvement efforts in the 1990s, Larry joined the nonprofit and went on to help develop and strengthen numerous programs, including services for young children, preschoolers, and students. He shares memories of a nationally recognized school-based mental health program, the dedicated staff who made it possible, and the welcoming environment that helped clients feel safe, respected, and supported. Today, Larry remains a strong advocate for the organization`s mission, praising the high quality of care provided to individuals and families who might not otherwise have access to essential services.
💜 Child & Family Center`s 50th Anniversary is more than a celebration of the past. It`s a tribute to the people who continue to build a stronger future for our community. Join us on September 17.
🎟️ Purchase tickets, for just $50, through the 50th Anniversary link in our bio.
🔗 https://www.childfamilycenter.org/child-family-center-50th-anniversary/
#ChildFamilyCenter #SCV #50YearsOfCaring #MentalHealthMatters #CommunityImpact
Judi Best devoted more than 25 years to Child & Family Center, helping create a welcoming environment where children and families could find the support they needed.
Judi`s journey with Child & Family Center began as a volunteer before she moved into part-time and eventually full-time roles, serving as the office manager for more than two decades. Along the way, she witnessed firsthand the impact the Center had on families, often seeing individuals arrive carrying heavy burdens and leave with a renewed sense of hope. Judi reflects on the important role therapists play in helping children and parents navigate challenges, emotions, and developmental milestones, using their expertise to guide families toward healthier futures. Her message to Child & Family Center is simple and heartfelt: congratulations on 50 years, and keep growing.
🏆 From humble beginnings to five decades of impact, Child & Family Center`s story is one worth celebrating. Join us on September 17.
🎟️ Tickets are just $50. Purchase one through the link in our Bio. Or visit
https://www.childfamilycenter.org/child-family-center-50th-anniversary/.
#ChildFamilyCenter #50YearsOfCaring #GoldenLegacy #SantaClarita #SupportingFamilies
For our final highlight from Child & Family Center`s August 7 Board Installation & Awards Celebration, we`re proud to recognize the dedicated professionals who were installed as our Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Their commitment helps ensure that Child & Family Center can continue fulfilling its mission of changing lives, healing relationships, and helping people thrive.
We welcomed three new board members: Patty Hackett, John Vance, and Erin McKeon Wilson. We look forward to the unique experience, insight, and leadership they will bring to the Center.
A special thank you goes to Congressman George Whitesides for formally installing our full Board of Directors and to Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo for officiating the installation of our Executive Committee. We are grateful for their participation, as well as the many elected officials and community representatives who joined us for this special occasion.
The evening was made even more meaningful by the presence of Liz Seipel, one of the founders of Child & Family Center. More than 50 years later, the legacy she helped create continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of children, adults, and families throughout our community.
📸 Photo 1 (left to right): Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, Congressman George Whitesides, Aida Weinstein, Renee Spieckermann, Jean LaCorte-Kiczek, Kris Huber, Erin McKeon Wilson, Noely Allevato, Tom Cole, Dr. Leticia Hernandez, Mike Berger, Cristy Collins-Parker, Patty Hackett, Jennifer Lima (field deputy representing California State Senator Suzette Valladares), Bill Cooper, Child & Family Center President & CEO Nikki Buckstead, and Santa Clarita City Council Members Bill Miranda and Jason Gibbs. Board members unable to attend the evening were Christopher Montella, Lee Thompson, John Vance, and Dr. David Wong.
#ChildFamilyCenter #BoardOfDirectors #CommunityLeadership #MakingADifference #SCV
@joshpremakophotography 📷
A few more moments from Child & Family Center`s August 7 Board Installation & Awards Celebration.
We`re grateful to everyone who joined us as we honored outstanding award recipients, welcomed our board leadership, and celebrated the partnerships that make our mission possible.
Thank you for helping us change lives, heal relationships, and help people thrive.
#ChildFamilyCenter #SCV #CommunitySupport #MakingADifference #NonprofitLeadership
@joshpremakophotography 📷
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger has long recognized Child & Family Center as a vital community resource, providing life-changing support for children, families, and individuals across the region.
Supervisor Barger reflects on the many ways Child & Family Center engages and inspires the community, from beloved events like Taste of the Town and Purple Walk to the essential services that change lives every day. She highlights the organization`s commitment to meeting community needs through mental health support, substance use treatment, domestic violence programs, and other critical services. Supervisor Barger also shares her appreciation for the leadership, staff, board members, and supporters whose dedication has helped expand the Center`s impact throughout the Santa Clarita, Antelope, and San Fernando Valleys.
🏆 From humble beginnings to five decades of impact, Child & Family Center`s story is one worth celebrating. Join us on September 17.
🎟️ Click on the 50th Anniversary link in our bio to purchase a ticket for just $50. Or visit: https://www.childfamilycenter.org/child-family-center-50th-anniversary/
#ChildFamilyCenter #SCV #50YearsOfCaring #CommunityImpact #SupportingFamilies
