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MILWAUKEE (4/25/2012) -  Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, a part of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, has selected former Green Bay Packer George Koonce as spokesperson for the Family Finding Fatherhood Engagement Program. Koonce will meet with various media sources and provide personal appearances representing the organization.
The Fatherhood Engagement Program was implemented to identify the biological father of a child in foster care with the goal of reestablishing their relationship. Family Finding uses technology developed by US Search, an experienced search agent. The program follows a national model developed by Kevin Campbell, founder of Family Finding, to identify and locate family members using multiple databases. Online searches generate streamlined reports in a matter of minutes.
Through research, the Fatherhood Engagement Program leaders have determined fathers are important to the order and structure of the family. The National Center for Educational Statistics reported that when fathers are involved in their children's education, kids were more likely to get an A, enjoy school and participate in extracurricular activities. When boys grow up with their fathers involved, they are more likely to be good dads themselves.
"I truly believe my story, combined with my passionate belief that all children deserve to be brought up in loving homes where they have the opportunity to reach their full potential, could help provide this important program with additional exposure and perhaps open new doors for new partnerships in our city," Koonce said.
Koonce's success in football—he was a star linebacker at East Carolina University and played in the National Football League, spending eight years as a starter with the Green Bay Packers, including a trip to Super Bowl XXXI in 1996—continued off the field after his playing days. He has served as senior associate athletic director at Marquette University, director of player development for the Green Bay Packers and special assistant to the athletic director at East Carolina University. Koonce was the recipient of the 2010 Boys and Girls Club March of Champions Award and the Holy Redeemer Academy, American Hero Award.
In May 2012, Koonce will receive his doctorate in Sports Administration from Marquette University. He holds a master's degree in Sports Management from East Carolina University.
Children's Service Society of Wisconsin is the state's largest private, not-for-profit provider of child welfare services. From offices and family resource centers throughout the state, Children's Service Society offers activities and programs in four core service areas: out of-home care; child and family counseling; public child welfare; and prevention services. Children's Service Society is part of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. The hospital is able to fulfill its mission thanks in part to philanthropic gifts and support from members of the community. For more information, visit cssw.org.
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