The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) will present the third annual Judith Horgan Award for Exemplary Service on Behalf of Children and Families in the Court System to Joel and Courtney Bitonio. The award is in recognition of their service to justice-involved youth and will be presented during the NCJFCJ’s National Conference on Juvenile Justice in Cleveland, Ohio on March 19, 2024.
Joel and Courtney Bitonio have devoted several years to serving children and families in the Cleveland area, as well as in other parts of the country. Joel, a guard for the Cleveland Browns since 2014, was selected in the second round of the NFL draft after playing at the University of Nevada, Reno. Together, Joel and Courtney have generously donated their time, resources, and funds to various organizations, including the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, A Kid Again Ohio, the Division of Recreation for the City of Cleveland, and Browns Give Back. Their contributions have made a significant impact on the lives of many.
“We have been part of the Cleveland community for nine years now,” said Joel Bitonio. “Giving back is just something that our parents instilled in us to take care of the people that take care of you. This community has always taken care of me. No matter where you are in life, you can lend a helping hand, be part of the community and give back, and a lot of times, you give back to help somebody, but those interactions fill you up as well.”
The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) has been awarding the Judith Horgan Award for Exemplary Service on Behalf of Children and Families in the Court System since 2022. The award is named after Judith Horgan, a former NCJFCJ Board of Director from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who was known for her dedicated service in elevating the voice of children and families in the court system. This award honors an individual or individuals within the community where the NCJFCJ convenes for the Annual Conference on Juvenile Justice, who have championed a shared vision for better outcomes for children and families. It recognizes those who have made significant contributions toward achieving better results in the court system for children and families.
“Joel and Courtney are both alumni of the University of Nevada, Reno where the NCJFCJ is affiliated and is a leader in judicial education and research,” said Joey Orduña Hastings, NCJFCJ CEO. “It’s wonderful to be in Cleveland for our National Conference on Juvenile Justice, where Joel plays football for the Cleveland Browns and where he and Courtney have made such a positive impact in the community. Joel and Courtney share our value of compassion and deep commitment to enhancing the lives of children and families across the country.”
“Joel and Courtney have put themselves out there and done terrific work,” said Judy Horgan. “They set an example for kids in the community. It means the world to the children and to us. The Bitonios are not just helping kids; they’re helping the entire community.”
Every year, more than four million families benefit from the work of the NCJFCJ.
