Kids Count director honored: Elizabeth Burke Bryant, executive director of Rhode Island Kids Count, has been honored by Voices for America’s Children with the organization’s 2007 Florette Angel Memorial Child Advocacy Award.

The award, established in 1996 in the memory of Florette Angel, a child advocate who worked tirelessly to better the lives of West Virginia’s children, is given annually to someone who captures Angel’s spirit, exceptional leadership, innovative advocacy and effective service on behalf of children and their families.

“Elizabeth Burke Bryant is committed, passionate, and energetic in her pursuit of better outcomes for children,” said Bill Bentley, Voices president and chief executive officer.

Under Bryant’s leadership, Kids Count has earned a reputation as the premier child advocacy organization in the state and a national reputation for excellence. During her tenure, the organization has contributed to significant victories in the areas of childcare and early education, child welfare, dropout prevention, health-insurance coverage for children, affordable housing, lead-poisoning prevention and improved access to prenatal care.

Bryant will be honored at the organization’s annual meeting tomorrow at The Forum in New Orleans.