Abbarno recognized as ‘Champion for Children’ by Family Education and Support Services

State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, was recently honored as a Champion for Children by the Family Education and Support Services (FESS) organization during a special recognition ceremony at the Governor's Mansion.

Abbarno was the only state lawmaker among several other honorees recognized during the event, according to a news release.

The recognition highlights Abbarno's longstanding work to support children and families through legislation, community partnerships and investments in early learning, child welfare, behavioral health, and family stability, according to the release.

Abbarno supported and advocated for FESS programs long before being an elected official, attending community events and volunteering in their “Dynamic Dads” classes through his law firm Althauser Rayan Abbarno.

"I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from Family Education and Support Services," Abbarno, who serves as the House Republican Caucus Chair, said in the release. "Strong families are the foundation of strong communities. Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a safe, supportive and loving environment, and I am grateful to collaborate with organizations like FESS to support families, reduce intergenerational poverty and make a difference in the lives of children every day."

FESS is a nonprofit organization with a mission "to inspire healthy child development through the provision of quality family support services."

Through parenting education, fatherhood initiatives, kinship care support, child abuse prevention, behavioral health resources and basic-needs assistance, FESS serves in Thurston, Lewis and surrounding counties and helps thousands of Washington families each year build healthier futures for children.

Earlier this year, Abbarno toured the Family Education and Support Services offices in Centralia to learn more about the organization's parenting education, fatherhood engagement, prevention programs and peer support services. During that visit, he met with staff to discuss how community-based programs help strengthen families, reduce family crises and improve long-term outcomes for children.

Throughout his legislative service, Abbarno has consistently advocated for policies that support children and families, the release stated. His efforts have included supporting investments in early learning, expanding access to behavioral health services, promoting literacy initiatives, strengthening foster care and child welfare systems, and working to ensure state resources are directed toward prevention and family support programs.

"Organizations like FESS remind us that investing in families today creates stronger communities tomorrow," Abbarno said. "When we empower parents, support children, and focus on prevention, everyone benefits."

To learn more about FESS, visit familyess.org.