This past October 11, Fox 31's Libby Weaver and Troubleshooter Tom Martino emceed a gathering of Denver's movers and shakers for a tribute to Jo Blum of Families First. Blum, who has been called “one of the best friends an abused or neglected child can have” by the Denver Post, has been an advocate for children for over 25 years. “Under Jo’s leadership, Families First has become one of the best resources for child abuse prevention, helping to protect kids by providing their parents with the tools they need to create a safe, permanent home,” says Advocates’ Executive Director, Peggy Rudden. Gary Corbett took the stage later in the evening to conduct a feverish auction of terrific items that included everything from one-of-a-kind travel experiences to art and sports memorabilia. All told, the night raised over $250,000 to serve abused and neglected kids.

Last year Blum stepped down from the top executive role at Families First, which she had held for over ten years, to take on the role of director of major gifts. “Under Jo’s leadership, Families First has become one of the best resources for child abuse prevention, helping to protect kids by providing their parents with the tools they need to create a safe, permanent home,” says Advocates’ Executive Director, Peggy Rudden.

“One of my favorite expressions is ‘Asking for help is a sign of strength,’” says Blum, “ and that’s the atmosphere we strive to create at Families First. We believe that all children belong with families and need enduring relationships with adults who put children’s needs first. Families First offers support and resources to help parents do just that.”  Although as many as 50,000 of Colorado’s children may be victims of abuse and neglect each year, resources for child abuse prevention are in scant supply. That’s why Blum’s accomplishments are so important: Under her leadership, Families First expanded its family services and its geographic reach throughout the state to serve about 5,000 families annually.  Prevention services provide an emphasis on positive parenting – the most important component to preventing child abuse and neglect – and are available to any parent with the courage to ask for help. In addition, Families First operates a residential treatment center for young victims of child abuse and neglect who have been removed from their homes.