Yvonne Fedderson, co-founder of the nonprofit Childhelp, passed away yesterday at the age of 90, leaving a lasting legacy in the fight against child abuse. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a Childhelp board member, said, "Yvonne was a leader driven by her passion and love of others," and noted her profound impact on countless lives, according to the Arizona Secretary of State.
Born in Glendale, California in 1935, Fedderson shifted from an acting career to child advocacy, co-founding International Orphans, Inc. with Sara O'Meara in 1959, which later became Childhelp. Fontes added, "Her commitment to child advocacy built Childhelp into a nationwide leader in prevention, intervention and treatment services," honoring her lifelong dedication to protecting vulnerable children, as reported by the Arizona Secretary of State.
Yvonne Fedderson’s work with Childhelp had a nationwide impact. Fontes said, "Childhelp now operates programs and services nationwide and has helped more than 14 million children and families affected by abuse and neglect." Remembering her, Fontes and his wife said, "My wife and I will miss Yvonne dearly, we will continue to applaud her work in Arizona and across the country, and offer our love and prayers to all those mourning her passing." Fedderson’s passing shows the ongoing importance of Childhelp’s work to support children affected by abuse and neglect, as stated by the Arizona Secretary of State.
