Child Advocates
Ellen Horan, CCE, is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in economic development and advocacy. Currently serving as a Volunteer Child Advocate for Child Advocates since April 2020, Horan provides court-appointed support for children in the foster care system. Previously, Horan held the position of President for the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville from March 2017 to April 2021, where strategic economic development initiatives were implemented for Evansville and Vanderburgh County. Horan's leadership roles also include serving as President and CEO of the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry from September 2005 to June 2016, and as President of the Manufacturers Association of Berks County from August 1995 to September 2005. Additional experience includes the role of Vice President at the MidAtlantic Employers Association from 1985 to 1995, and as a Research Analyst for the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce from 1983 to 1985. Horan holds a Masters in Public Administration with a focus on Urban Management from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.
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Child Advocates
Child Advocates mobilizes advocate volunteers to break the vicious cycle of child abuse. We speak up for abused children who are lost in the system and guide them into safe environments where they can thrive. A judge appoints Child Advocates to represent the best interests of a child or sibling group in foster care. They serve as the judge’s eyes and ears while the children are in custody, ensuring their unique needs are met until they can safely return home or are permanently placed with a loving relative or adoptive family. Unlike Child Protective Services caseworkers and court-appointed attorneys who juggle overwhelming caseloads, our volunteers represent just one child or sibling group at a time. Their advocacy makes sure no child falls through the cracks of our overburdened child welfare system. Child Advocates volunteers make a profound difference in the lives of the children they serve. Studies show children served by an advocate volunteer are better able to work with others and control deviant behavior than children without an advocate. Also, more parents of these children complete counseling services, psychiatric evaluations, and drug and alcohol counseling than those without an advocate. With Child Advocates’ help, we can break the cycle of child abuse and give more foster children a chance at a better, brighter future.