Alexandria, Va. — Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) will award the 2026 Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Award to Pam Mortensen, Director of Family Development Services at Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio. This honor is presented annually to a Catholic Charities staff member who distinguishes himself or herself through a commitment to serve youth and families in need.
For 21 years, Mortensen has served as director of Family Development Services, which positively impacts more than 2,000 local children and adults annually. She is the founder of Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio’s Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation program, the leading private provider in Butler County.
A consistent and passionate advocate for young children, particularly through age five, Mortensen empowers her staff to train and support caregivers, educators, and community partners by focusing on strengthening resilience and mitigating the physical, mental, and social impacts of trauma on developing children. She believes that by equipping parents, families, caregivers, and educators with the right tools and support, communities can break cycles of abuse, neglect, and trauma and create safe, nurturing environments where young children can grow and thrive.
“The passion and dedication with which Pam safeguards the health and well-being of the youngest, most vulnerable among us is inspiring,” said CCUSA President and CEO Kerry Alys Robinson. “Her service to children for more than two decades at Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio and her advocacy on their behalf as a member of the Ohio Children and Youth Advisory Council make her a model of service and selflessness.”
“I am incredibly humbled by this recognition, and it has prompted me to pause and reflect on my 21 years at Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio,” said Mortensen. “In that reflection, I see the many faces who have shaped my journey: leaders who opened doors for me to grow, dedicated staff and community partners who walked alongside me, and most importantly, the precious children and families whose lives were touched by our work together. I feel truly blessed.”
Mortensen’s career spans more than three decades in the field and includes collaboration with the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, local county mental health boards, the United Way, and other partnering agencies.
About Catholic Charities USA
Founded in 1910, CCUSA is a national membership organization that supports and represents 169 Catholic Charities agencies across the United States and in five territories. Collectively, the Catholic Charities network each year serves more than 16 million vulnerable people, regardless of their faith or background, through food and nutrition programs, affordable housing, disaster relief and a variety of other humanitarian services.
Latest News
