2021 Change Maker Awards

The Change Maker Awards celebrate people and organizations creating real, meaningful change for children who struggle with mental health and learning disorders. From the professionals putting in long hours to the advocates bringing mental health awareness to the national stage, our honorees inspire us with their passion for changing the way we understand and treat our children.

Calm & Cure Candle Co., LLC, was established in 2020 by then 11-year old Uzziah Campbell.  Uzziah had a vision of helping those experiencing stress, anxiety, depression and trauma brought on by the pandemic and racial injustice. He felt that candles were the answer because he watched his mother, who was diagnosed with PTSD, use candles and essential oils to ease her symptoms.  Uzziah first started making candles to burn at home for his mother, and then to share with friends and family. The feedback he received encouraged him to give his candles a name and start his own company where he makes giving back a priority through philanthropic contributions.  Uzziah hopes to be known throughout the world for bringing calm and effecting change.

“It’s an honor to receive a Change Maker Award from the Child Mind Institute because it lets me know that I’ve made someone’s day, made people smile and helped people change,” Uzziah says. “It means a lot to me.”

calmandcurecandles.com

Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. Blue Shield of California is a tax paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with over 4.5 million members, over 7,500 employees and more than $21 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid, and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $150 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation in the last four years to have an impact on California communities.

“Leading with equity, Blue Shield of California’s BlueSky initiative seeks to be a changemaker by enhancing access, awareness and advocacy for youth mental health supports,” said Antoinette Mayer, Senior Director, Corporate Citizenship, Blue Shield of California. “We are honored to receive this award and look forward to our continued collaboration with Child Mind Institute to expand mental health services for California youth.”

bluesky.blueshieldca.com

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

“National PTA is honored to be recognized by Child Mind Institute with its 2021 Outstanding Organization Change Maker Award,” said Anna King, president of National PTA. “Mental health is always among the most pressing issues to address, and especially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our association remains committed to raising awareness of the importance of mental health being an everyday priority, advocating for improved mental health programs and services, and providing resources to support the mental health and social and emotional well-being of all students and families, which is critical to help them reach their fullest potential.” For more information, visit PTA.org

Learn more about our 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 Change Maker Award Winners.