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In what will be a historic and momentous occasion, Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, co-founders of Childhelp, are set to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award on September 9, 2024, during a ceremony at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Phoenix, Arizona. This prestigious award, presented by the Office of the President of the United States, honors their more than six decades of relentless and transformative service to the world’s most vulnerable children. The ceremony will coincide with Sara O’Meara’s 90th birthday, making it a profoundly symbolic celebration of both her life and her enduring contributions.
Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson’s journey is one of compassion and determination, evolving from the glamour of 1950s Hollywood to the trenches of humanitarian work, where they have forever altered the lives of millions of children worldwide. Together, they have built Childhelp into a globally recognized organization whose impact is reflected in over 12 million children’s lives saved and a national model for child welfare.
A Remarkable Beginning: From Hollywood to Humanitarianism
It’s hard to believe that two Hollywood actresses would one day become global champions for children’s rights. But that is precisely what happened when Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson met in the late 1950s while guest-starring on the hit TV show The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. This chance meeting forged a lifelong partnership that would ultimately change the course of their lives—and the lives of countless children.
Their transformation from Hollywood stars to humanitarians took root in 1959, when Sara and Yvonne were on a goodwill tour entertaining American troops stationed in post-war Japan. While there, they stumbled upon a heartbreaking scene—dozens of homeless, abandoned children wandering the streets. These were the children born of American servicemen and Japanese women, shunned by both societies and left to survive on their own. For Sara and Yvonne, turning away was not an option.
With no formal training or resources, they took it upon themselves to provide food, shelter, and care for these children. This single act of compassion would lay the foundation for International Orphans, Inc., which later evolved into Childhelp—an organization that would not only rescue abandoned children in Japan and Vietnam but would become one of the most influential child welfare organizations in the world.
Sara O’Meara: Faith, Healing, and Legislative Triumph
Sara O’Meara’s contributions to Childhelp and child welfare go far beyond organizational leadership. Her tireless work has earned her multiple Nobel Peace Prize nominations, the Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award, and the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award, among others.
Sara’s advocacy has led to some of the most significant child protection legislation in U.S. history. She was instrumental in the passage of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, which created a national registry for child abusers to ensure they could no longer escape justice by moving across state lines. Signed into law by President George W. Bush, this legislation continues to protect children today.
But it is not only her pioneering leadership role in child welfare that has left a lasting impact. Beyond her advocacy and child welfare efforts, Sara O’meara touched the lives of countless individuals as a faith healer, offering spiritual solace and emotional healing to those most in need. Through her work at The Little Chapel, Sara has provided spiritual guidance and healing, helping families and children find peace amid the storms of abuse and neglect. Her book, Healed – Your Miracle Awaits, has become a Los Angeles Tribune Critically Acclaimed Best Seller, further showcasing her influence as a spiritual guide. The upcoming President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award, presented on her 90th birthday, marks yet another profound recognition of her lifelong dedication.
Yvonne Fedderson: From Actress to Global Advocate
Yvonne Fedderson’s journey, though different in its focus, is equally extraordinary. While Sara channeled her efforts into spiritual healing and legislative advocacy, Yvonne leveraged her Hollywood background to bring international attention to the plight of abused children. Known for her roles in I Was a Teenage Werewolf and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, Yvonne’s ability to command attention served her well as she transitioned from actress to activist.
Yvonne played a crucial role in building Childhelp’s public image, using her platform to raise awareness, drive fundraising efforts, and spread the organization’s message. Her efforts led to the creation of Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs), which have revolutionized how child abuse cases are handled in the United States. These centers offer a safe, child-friendly environment where victims can receive comprehensive support, from medical treatment to psychological counseling and legal aid, all under one roof.
Yvonne, too, has been recognized for her work, receiving the Champions of Children Award from the National Children’s Alliance, as well as multiple Nobel Peace Prize nominations. The President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award is a fitting capstone to a career of tireless advocacy and activism.
A Legacy of Unmatched Impact: The Joint Contributions of Sara and Yvonne
Together, Sara and Yvonne have built an organization whose influence extends far beyond the United States. Childhelp’s National Child Abuse Hotline, launched in 1982, has fielded more than 2 million calls, providing crisis intervention, resources, and hope to children and families in need. The hotline operates 24/7 and is available in over 170 languages, ensuring that help is accessible to all.
Their shared advocacy work led to the establishment of the National Day of Hope, a day recognized by Congress to raise awareness about child abuse and promote action. This initiative galvanized communities and lawmakers alike, making it a key moment in the fight against child abuse in the U.S.
First Lady Nancy Reagan once remarked, “Sara and Yvonne’s compassion has changed the course of countless young lives.” That sentiment was echoed by President George W. Bush, who called their legislative efforts “vital in protecting the future of our nation’s children.” Their influence has also reached the halls of the Supreme Court, where Justice Sandra Day O’Connor praised their groundbreaking work.
The President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award: A Historic Moment
On September 9, 2024, as Sara O’Meara celebrates her 90th birthday, she and Yvonne Fedderson will stand together to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is not just a recognition of their past contributions; it is a symbol of their enduring legacy and the countless lives they have touched. The honor signifies more than 60 years of dedication, over 100,000 hours of volunteer work, and a mission that continues to inspire.
The ceremony, held at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Phoenix, will serve as a powerful reminder of the impact two determined women can have on the world. From their unlikely beginnings in Hollywood to the international stage, Sara and Yvonne have transformed child welfare into a movement, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
An Everlasting Legacy
The story of Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson is one of compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Together, they have saved millions of children from lives of abuse and neglect. Their impact is seen not just in the numbers, but in the lives transformed, the laws passed, and the generations of advocates they have inspired.
As they receive the President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award, we are reminded of the power of selflessness and determination. Their work is far from over, and their legacy will continue to protect and uplift children for generations to come.
The President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson on September 9, 2024, at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Phoenix, Arizona, during Sara O’Meara’s 90th birthday celebration.
About the President’s Volunteer Service Award as Certified by The Los Angeles Tribune
Since 2003, the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) has honored exceptional volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our nation. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation, and inspires those around them to take action, too.
The process to being a recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award entails a verification and certification by an officially accredited Certifying Organization which was granted authority to give out the PVSA. As an officially accredited certifying organization, The Los Angeles Tribune takes pride in recognizing the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity, as was the original intention of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation in creating the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, led by AmeriCorps – the federal agency for national service and volunteerism.
Being entrusted by The President’s Volunteer Service Award as a Certifying Organizations, we at The Los Angeles Tribune are committed to maintaining processes that align with integrity regarding honoree eligibility requirements while taking pride to celebrate some of the most stellar acts of generosity and foster volunteerism in our nation.
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