SCAN honors Representatives Callan and Eslick for their unwavering support for children experiencing homelessness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Suzanne Arnold, [email protected], (609) 610-4957 (M)

Washington, D.C. (January 28, 2021) – Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) is thrilled to name Democratic Representative Lisa Callan (D-District 5) and Republican Representative Carolyn Eslick (R-District 39) as the 2021 Washington State Champions for Children.

Every year, the SCAN Washington community of child advocates publicly acknowledges state and local elected officials who have helped expand high quality early learning opportunities for children and their families. Over the past year, Representatives Callan and Eslick have demonstrated an admirable commitment to families navigating the process of overcoming homelessness through their sponsorship of legislation that established a twelve-month extension of the homeless grace period under Working Connections Child Care.

“We are so grateful to Representatives Callan and Eslick for their dedication to children and families across the state, particularly those experiencing homelessness during this incredibly difficult year,” said Jessica Galvez, SCAN Washington State Manager. “Without their leadership, many children would not have access to the nurturing support and stability that is crucial for families to succeed.”

“No matter your political persuasion, we can all agree that every child deserves a strong start in life. Giving children the strongest possible start requires doing everything we can during their most formative years,” said Fe Mischo, a SCAN Volunteer Leader and a Washington parent. “Representatives Callan and Eslick are true champions for children who continue to prioritize a strong start for kids in Washington. We look forward to continuing to work with them to make sure each and every child in Washington can thrive now and long into the future.”

Upon receiving their awards, Representatives Callan and Eslick made the following remarks:

“I’m very honored to be a 2021 State Champion for Children! Thank you to the Save the Children Action Network community for this recognition. I was thrilled to work alongside SCAN to extend access to the Homeless Grace Period for families experiencing homelessness, and I thank all the advocates who helped carry it across the finish line,” said Representative Callan. “We all know there’s so much more to do to ensure our children and families can thrive. I look forward to continuing to partner with SCAN and others to make sure no child goes without the support they need, when, where, and how they need it.”

“I’m honored to receive this award. The keys to healthier, happier lives can be found in our children’s early learning opportunities. As a lawmaker, mother, and grandmother, I believe that to reap the full benefits of a future generation of bold, prosperous and thriving citizens, we must invest in families now. I’m glad to have been a part of making changes in our state that do just that,” said Representative Eslick.

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Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) was created in 2014 as the political advocacy arm of Save the Children, to be the political voice for kids. We work to ensure that the issues critical to children’s lives and futures are given top priority by our elected leaders, building bipartisan support to make sure every child has a strong start in life.