Iowa Center for Children's Justice Honors Angela Connolly and Jennifer Hahn with the 2026 Champions for Children Awards

Des Moines, Iowa (August 25, 2026) — The Iowa Center for Children's Justice (ICCJ) named Angela Connolly and Jennifer Hahn its 2026 Champions for Children Awards recipients, recognizing their dedication, leadership, and advocacy that has made a lasting difference in the lives of children and families across Iowa.

The awards will be presented during ICCJ's annual Champions for Children celebration on Thursday, September 17, 2026, honoring Connolly and Hahn’s commitment to protecting and supporting children. The event will be held at Gilbert & Cook Private Wealth Management, 5058 Grand Ridge Drive, West Des Moines, Iowa 50265 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.iowachildrensjustice.org.

Champions for Children Leadership Award: Angela Connolly, Polk County Board of Supervisors
Angela’s leadership has made a lasting impact on children and families. Her focus on mental health access began after a family member's schizophrenia diagnosis in 2003, shortly after she took office. Since then, she has led efforts to expand mental health services across Polk County, including a mobile crisis unit and new psychiatric urgent care and crisis services, along with behavioral health integration in the county jail and youth detention system.

Champions for Children Advocate Award: Jennifer Hahn, Youth Justice Initiative
Jennifer's own experience as a young person without support shapes her commitment to showing up for others. She dropped out of school in seventh grade, and it wasn't until adults believed in her that she was able to build a different life. That experience led her to found Study Table, which has grown from her dining room table into a community space serving more than 60 young people with homework help, mentorship, and meals. Through her work with Youth Justice Initiative, she continues to advocate for young people and families, and for greater investment in organizations like the Iowa Center for Children's Justice.

"Every day, there are individuals whose dedication helps children find stability, safety, and hope during some of the most challenging times in their lives," said Steve Belay, Executive Director of the Iowa Center for Children's Justice. "Angela Connolly's leadership has expanded access to mental health care for children and families across Polk County, and Jennifer Hahn's advocacy through Youth Justice Initiative has given countless young people a place to feel safe and believed in. Their work often happens quietly behind the scenes, but its impact on the children and families they serve is immeasurable."

Past Champions for Children honorees include Carol Bodensteiner, Retired Juvenile Judge Constance “Connie” Cohen, Mindy O'Donnell, and Bruce Buchanan, who was recognized posthumously.  Each recipient represents the compassion, leadership, and service that these awards celebrate.

About the Iowa Center for Children's Justice

The Iowa Center for Children's Justice is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring children's voices are heard during high-conflict custody and family court proceedings. Through legal representation, youth divorce workshops, and alternative dispute resolution services, ICCJ works to reduce the long-term impact of family conflict while helping children build resilience and thrive.