Champions for Children’s Mental Health was incorporated in 2016 by founder and executive director, Barb Messick (Broughton). Built entirely on lived experience, Champions is unique in that everyone, from the Board of Directors to the Family Support Providers who work directly with families, has children with mental health diagnoses.

Barb’s vision for Champions was born from her own journey raising three children with mental health diagnoses. For years, she sought help from countless doctors, specialists, and professionals, only to be told to wait months for appointments, or worse, to be blamed as a “bad mother.” The turning point came when she was finally connected with a new service in Delaware that not only supported her children but also recognized her as the expert of her own family. Instead of being dismissed, she was empowered to embrace her voice and advocate for her children.

That empowerment ignited her passion to ensure other families in Delaware never felt alone in their struggles. She began working with families and the State of Delaware to guide family-driven services, paving the way for the Champions Family Peer Support program.

Today, Champions stands as a community where families walk the journey together, supported by those who truly understand. At the heart of Champions is the message Barb wishes every family to hear:

“You are not alone.”