The West Virginia Child Advocacy Network (WECAN) has named Braxton County Prosecuting Attorney Dwayne Vandevender as their 2023 Professional With Courage Award winner. The special statewide recognition is part of the organization’s One with Courage Awards programs that honors select individuals who are “the most Courageous Child Advocates Across the State of West Virginia.”
Braxton’s Dwayne Vandevender was bestowed one of the six special awards. He was named the Professional With Courage Award honoree for his on-going effort to protect children.
A special awards ceremony celebrated West Virginia’s most courageous child advocates on September 12 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
In addition to Vandevender, other recipients included: One With Courage – Shiloh Woodard, Child Protect of Mercer County; Partner With Courage – Marcy Nolan, Board President, Just for Kids; Funder With Courage – Sisters of St. Joseph Health & Wellness Foundation; Trudy Laurenson Advocate With Courage – Carole Ertl, Cornerstone; SHINE Memorial Tribute – Victoria Slater-Madert, Victoria’s House.
The West Virginia Child Advocacy Network is the statewide leader in the fight against child abuse. They provide support to passionate professionals through 21 child advocacy centers to ensure the children of the Mountain State have access to high-quality, evidence-base treatment services and assistance.