Amy Economopolous
Executive Director – Anna Crawford Children’s Center
The Service League of Cherokee County presented Amy Economopoulos with the inaugural Heritage of Hope Award during their “Gala and Benefit for the Children” on Saturday night at the Timbers on Etowah. The award was developed to recognize a person in the community whose contributions have made a positive impact on children in Cherokee County.
The Gala and Benefit was a continuation of the Service League’s tradition of annual balls. The event was attended by over 200 guests and raised money to support the League’s purpose to improve the lives of children by meeting their basic needs. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit MUST Ministries efforts to address childhood homelessness.
“The Heritage of Hope Award reflects the Service League’s history, tradition, and heritage of helping children in need,” said Julie Little, the gala chairwoman. “All the nominees work tirelessly to help children and give them hope.”
The Service League opened the application for nominees from the community in March. Four award finalists were recognized and honored during the Gala. The other finalists include Mike Chapman, Morrison Products Vice President of Manufacturing; Gwen Freeman, Cherokee County School District; and Thomas Pinyan, Chief Deputy for the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
“We had wonderful nominees and it’s an honor to recognize their contributions to children,” Little said. “Each one is deserving of the award and the appreciation of the entire community.”
Economopoulos is the Executive Director of the Anna Crawford Children’s Center where she serves and protects the children of Cherokee County. She has dedicated her life to serving children who experience abuse and helped develop the center into a top child advocacy center in Georgia. She also trains other similar agencies throughout the state to provide the same services offered in Cherokee County. The Anna Crawford Children’s Center focuses on three pillars: prevention, therapy, and forensic interviews to support the investigation of child abuse, according to her award nomination.
“Amy provides community training on preventing child abuse, therapeutic services to children and families who experienced abuse, and works alongside law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney’s Office to ensure people who abuse children are prosecuted to the maximum extent,” said Dr. Jennifer Reynolds, Anna Crawford Children’s Center Board of Directors member and Service League member.
Some of Economopoulos’ other accomplishments include training to more than 2,200 child abuse investigators and professionals, conducting workshops designed to educate adults on how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse; providing therapy to children and families who have experienced abuse; leading in the development of the structure of forensic interviews; and fundraising to ensure families receive services free of charge.
The Service League of Cherokee County provides children with day-to-day necessities such as food, clothing, dental care, eyeglasses, medical care, rental and utility assistance, scholarships and much more.