Energetic and joyful, she exudes a joie de vivre that seems at odds with her 68 years. Guardians represent the interests of abused and neglected children as they move through the judicial system. Jennings was recently honored for her efforts on behalf of children. At The Family Source of Florida's 12th statewide child abuse prevention conference, Jennings was named District 3 Child Advocate of the Year. The award was created to honor those who have made a significant contribution to child-abuse prevention in their community.
Winners serve as an inspiration and role model for others in the family support field.
District 3 is comprised of five North Florida counties. She paid particular attention to her children's friends who came from troubled homes. I have seen children experiencing a lot of pain, and the adults in their lives are just oblivious. To Jennings, empathy means being able to recognize other people's suffering and accept it. Maybe to act on it as well.