Judith Goetsch Brandlin, a distinguished alumna of Iowa State University, was honored with the 2014 Carrie Chapman Catt Public Engagement Award for her profound impact on accessible and high-quality after-school child care. This prestigious award from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recognized Brandlin’s decades-long commitment to children’s well-being, notably through her pioneering work with Stone Soup Child Care Programs and, earlier in her career, the Adeste Child Care Program.
Brandlin’s journey in child care began long before her widespread recognition for Stone Soup. After graduating from Iowa State in 1964 with a degree in modern languages, she dedicated her career to addressing the critical need for reliable after-school options for working families. This passion led her to co-found ADESTE in Los Angeles, a program specifically designed for Catholic elementary schools. While the original article provides less detail on adeste child care program, its significance as a precursor to Stone Soup is undeniable. ADESTE laid the groundwork for Brandlin’s future success, demonstrating her early vision and commitment to creating nurturing and enriching environments for children outside of school hours. This initial venture into after-school care within the Catholic school system highlights her understanding of community-specific needs and her ability to develop tailored programs that resonate with those needs.
Later, Brandlin founded Stone Soup Child Care Programs in 1986, scaling her vision to serve a broader population. Under her leadership, Stone Soup grew to encompass over 80 after-school programs, serving 3,500 children across 10 school districts just last year. Stone Soup’s success, even cited as exemplary by Vice President Al Gore in 1998, is built upon the foundations laid by adeste child care program. The experiences and insights gained from developing and managing ADESTE undoubtedly informed the strategies and principles that made Stone Soup a national model. Both programs share a common thread: a dedication to providing not just supervision, but enriching experiences that support children’s development and well-being in a safe and caring environment.
The Carrie Chapman Catt Public Engagement Award specifically acknowledges Brandlin’s “distinguished career” and “unwavering support of after-school programs for children,” as Dean Beate Schmittmann stated. Dianne Bystrom, director of the Catt Center for Women and Politics, who nominated Brandlin, further emphasized her contributions, noting Brandlin’s support for Iowa State University and Catt Center programs focused on community engagement and leadership development, alongside her childcare advocacy. This award underscores the far-reaching impact of Brandlin’s work, starting from the grassroots level with programs like adeste child care program to large-scale initiatives like Stone Soup.
Beyond these flagship programs, Brandlin’s commitment to children is evident in her extensive service and accolades. She has been recognized with the Achievement Award in Education from the YWCA of Los Angeles, the Leadership Award from the Volunteer Center of Los Angeles, and the Alumni Merit Award from the ISU Alumni Association. Her 20-year tenure on the Greater Los Angeles board of directors of United Way and her involvement with the Los Angeles Roundtable for Children and the Mayor’s Advisory Committee for Children further illustrate her dedication to improving children’s lives on multiple fronts. Her role as a founding member of the California School-Age Child Care Consortium and board membership with the MUSES of the California Science Center also showcase her leadership in shaping policy and enriching children’s educational opportunities beyond the classroom.
Judith Goetsch Brandlin’s recognition with the Carrie Chapman Catt Public Engagement Award is a well-deserved tribute to her lifelong dedication to ensuring quality and affordable child care. From the early days of the adeste child care program to the widespread impact of Stone Soup, her work has touched the lives of thousands of children and families, making her a true champion for accessible and enriching after-school care. Her legacy continues to inspire and serve as a model for effective community engagement and child advocacy.
