Awards and Accomplishments Our Foster Parent Implementation Plan was named one of the Top 5 foster care programs in the State of Illinois by DCFS for three consecutive years – 2007, 2006 and 2005. Named one of Chicago’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in 2007 and 2006. The Family Support program received the 2007 Dr. William Fitzsimmons award for improving public health. Names a finalist for the Voices for Illinois’ Children/National City Children’s Champion Award 2007. Mary Anne Brown, Executive Director, received the Clarke College Distinguished Alumni Award for Outstanding Achievement in 2007. Received accreditation from the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services for the third time in 2005. Hephzibah’s Foster Care program was presented at the American Association of Children's Residential Centers 49th Annual Meeting held in Pasadena, California. (October 2005). Presented our Family Support program at the University of Chicago’s American-Irish Intensive Symposium on Family Support and Community Practice in Ireland. (August 2005) Mary Anne Brown, Executive Director, named one of the Hundred Most Influential Women by Crain’s Chicago Business magazine (June 7, 2004). Mary Anne Brown received the 2004 William C. Staszak Award from the Oak Park Education Foundation. Mary Anne Brown received the Excellence In Community Leadership Award at Concordia University’s 2003 Learning and Leadership Awards. Mary Anne Brown, Executive Director, awarded the 2002 Benjamin Gingiss Service Award given annually by the Illinois Humane Society to an outstanding person who serves vulnerable children. Received the 2002 BP Leader Award for our Summer Reading Academy.