The Village for Families & Children has named Eric Feeney, a third-grade teacher at Wolcott Elementary School in West Hartford, and Dr. Steven Rogers, Medical Director of Emergency Mental and Behavioral Health Services and the Youth Suicide Prevention Center at Connecticut Children’s, as its 2026 Champions for Children.
Each year, The Village recognizes outstanding local leaders who are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families across Connecticut. Feeney and Dr. Rogers were selected for their exceptional dedication to supporting children through crisis and strengthening communities.
Feeney was honored for his extraordinary commitment to supporting students and families during times of profound loss. After witnessing two of his students experience the sudden death of their fathers—one due to a heart attack and the other to gun violence—Feeney was inspired to take action.
He went on to found Friends of Feeney, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families navigate heartbreak and tragedy. Since its founding, the organization has provided nearly $300,000 in direct financial assistance to more than 130 local families, while building a strong culture of compassion and generosity throughout the West Hartford community.
Fellow honoree Dr. Steven Rogers was recognized for his life-saving leadership in youth mental health. As Medical Director for Emergency Mental and Behavioral Health Services as well as the Youth Suicide Prevention Center at Connecticut Children’s, he works at the forefront of addressing the youth mental health crisis.
A key partner to The Village, Dr. Rogers played an instrumental role in launching its Urgent Crisis Center and continues to lead statewide efforts focused on suicide prevention and expanding access to critical behavioral health services for young people.
Feeney and Dr. Rogers were honored at The Village’s Annual Champions for Children Celebration, held Thursday, May 14. The event featured powerful stories from Village clients and included special recognition for new Village ambassadors and The Village Auxiliaries, who have collectively raised $10 million in support of The Village over the past 70 years.
