Farmington Resident Peter Arakas Recognized for Child Advocacy

Farmington resident Peter Arakas was recognized this week for his leadership on behalf of Connecticut’s children and families at Connecticut Voices for Children’s 11th “First for Kids Awards” ceremony on Wednesday, October 17.  The event, which took place at the Pond House Café in Elizabeth Park in West Hartford, honored individuals and organizations in Connecticut whose work and commitment to the state’s young people serves as a model. 

Mr. Arakas received Connecticut Voices for Children Founders’ Award for his service as a member and Chair of the CT Voices Board of Directors, and as a community volunteer working on behalf of youth at risk.

“Peter Arakas has been a leader in the state in establishing effective pilot projects that reduce school truancy,” said Sharon Langer, Interim Executive Director of Connecticut Voices for Children. “The fact that he accomplished this feat as a volunteer is all the more remarkable.”

Other recipients of Connecticut Voices for Children’s First for Kids Awards were Senator Martin Looney, who received the Legislative Leadership Award; Merva Jackson (Hartford) who was recognized posthumously and African Caribbean American Parents of Children with Disabilities (AFCAMP), who jointly received the Citizen Advocacy Award; Barbara Edinberg (Bridgeport), who received the Community Advocacy Award; and The Connecticut Mirror, which received the Media Award. 

Each recipient was celebrated for making a difference in the quality of life of children in Connecticut and enriching our state.  Previous honorees have included former Governor M. Jodi Rell, former Lieutenant Governor Kevin Sullivan, the Connecticut Health Foundation, and Yale Professor Edward Zigler.

Connecticut Voices for Children (www.ctvoices.org) is a research-based policy think tank that works to advance public policies that benefit the state’s children, youth and families. For more information, call 203-498-4240.

Submitted by Connecticut Voices for Children.