Chris Kagigebi wins Outstanding Families Award

Hayward’s Chris Kagigebi was recently honored with one of the Governor’s Outstanding Family Awards. 

The awards were presented by Governor Evers and Department of Children and Families Secretary Jeff Pertl at a celebration in Madison. 

Awards are based on exceptional dedication, compassion, and commitment to support both new and existing relationships for children. Kagigebi was one of ten nominees to receive the award last month.

“It was an honor, but I am also not the only grandparent raising grandkids,” says Kagigebi

Kagigebi  moved to Hayward in 1985 and works at the Lac Courte Oreilles Head Start and Early Head Start. She is a single grandparent, raising four of her grandchildren in the Lac Courte Oreilles community. 

Kagigebi provided a home for the siblings, ages 7 through 14.  

She was recognized for her strong commitment to helping the siblings maintain strong family connections and cultural ties to their Tribe in Lac Courte Oreilles.

“They need to know their culture, that’s a big part of their way of living,” says Kagigebi. 

In her care, the children are involved in the LCO community, participating in sports, Tribal social events, and have access to cultural and ceremonial practices. She also keeps the children connected to their biological families, including their parents.

Child welfare professionals, children’s advocates, and citizens across the state submitted nominations.  

Kagigebi was nominated by Kinship Care Coordinator Carole DeMain and Family Services Director Tibissum Rice, who also joined her in Madison as she accepted the award. 

Kagigebi thanks the Indian Child Welfare, Child Services, and the LCO Head Start for their support. 

According to a proclamation declaring November Adoption Month in Wisconsin, 570 kids across the state last year received a permanent family through public adoption.