Heidi Williams Presented 1st Annual Jessie Binford Advocate for Youth Award
An award dinner honoring Heidi Williams for her advocacy for youth was held on Thursday, November 7 at 6pm at the historic landmark Binford House. The Marshalltown Federation of Women’s Clubs (MFWC), in collaboration with Marshalltown Area United Way, Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Historical Society of Marshall County, presented Williams, Woodbury Elementary School Counselor, with the 1st Annual Jessie Binford Advocate for Youth Award. The purpose of this award is to recognize, celebrate, and encourage people in the Marshall County area who make a significant positive difference in the lives of youth, particularly those in need of an advocate for social justice.
Williams was nominated by Woodbury Elementary Principal Anel Garza. In Garza’s nomination letter, she shared, “Heidi Williams has been an extraordinary advocate for the students and families of Woodbury Elementary and the greater Marshalltown community. As a dedicated school counselor, she continually goes above and beyond her duties to ensure that every student receives the care and support they need, whether through her professional responsibilities or voluntary outreach efforts."
The dinner, a signature Binford meal prepared by chef Missy Sharer Pieters, was attended by members of the collaborating organizations and selection committee and Williams' family. Representatives from the Marshalltown Community School District in attendance included Superintendent Theron Schutte, Director of Instruction Shauna Smith, and Woodbury Principal Anel Garza. Also in attendance was Glenda Barton, retired teacher and counselor at Franklin Elementary. Barton was the first certified, licensed elementary school counselor in the state of Iowa, and as a trail-blazer in the field, proud to help celebrate a fellow school counselor as the first recipient of this award.
Jessie Binford was born in Marshalltown in 1876, and her lifelong passion was advocating for children. As stated in the Des Moines Register following her death in 1966, “In her six decades as a social worker and juvenile rights advocate, Miss Binford battled with local and state politicians in what she called a crusade aimed at the delinquency of adults against children.”
Jessie was active in the organization of the Legal Aid Society in Chicago, which later became the Juvenile Protection Association, and served as its Executive Director for 43 years. Jessie was a longtime associate of Jane Addams, founder of Chicago’s Hull House. Jessie Binford worked for 61 years as a social worker and advocate for the poor. She was truly an outstanding native daughter.
This award aims to honor Jessie’s legacy by recognizing people in the Marshall County area who are continuing this work locally. In addition to providing public recognition of those advocating for youth in Marshall county, this award is intended to elevate the community’s awareness of the accomplishments of Jessie Binford and the causes she championed.The award is planned to be given annually to a Marshall County resident or to someone who works in or serves Marshall County, who has demonstrated commitment to and effectiveness in advocating for children, regardless of their socioeconomic status and cultural background.
Nominees this year included several worthy individuals engaged in a professional or a volunteer role as an advocate for youth and included staff or volunteers of nonprofit agencies that serve youth. Nominees not selected in a given year will be retained for future consideration.
Most importantly, the award is an initiative of the Marshalltown Federation of Women's Club's purpose to define and elevate the relevance of the non-profit organization and Binford House as it celebrates its sesquicentennial year. The stated vision is "Inspiring the history-makers of tomorrow by carrying forth the legacy of the Binford Family." The accompanying mission further defines this goal with "We steward the resources entrusted to us in support of Marshall County, Iowa community organizations."
To further demonstrate the vision and mission, the Federation is donating $500 to a local organization of the awardee's choice whose work embodies the Binford legacy of advocacy for youth. Williams selected Child, Adolescent and Parent Support (CAPS), a non-profit whose mission is to empower families and youth with knowledge, support and resources so they can thrive in a nurturing, healthy and safe environment. In her role as an elementary school counselor, Williams sees first-hand the impact of CAPS school-based programs and work supporting families and youth in Marshalltown.
For more information about Binford House and the Marshalltown Federation of Women's Clubs, call (641) 753-5450 or email binfordhouse@gmail.com.