Recipient of the Fourth Annual Judith Horgan Award for Exemplary Service on Behalf of Children and Families
The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) honored Jodi Rosenbaum of More Than Words, for her service to justice-involved youth at the NCJFCJ’s National Conference on Juvenile Justice held in Boston, Massachusetts. She received the fourth annual Judith Horgan Award for Exemplary Service on Behalf of Children and Families in the Court System on March 18, 2025.
Jodi Rosenbaum is founder & CEO of More Than Words, a social enterprise that empowers youth who are in the foster care system, court-involved, experiencing homelessness, or out of school, to take charge of their lives by helping lead a business. For more than 20 years, she has grown and led the organization from a pilot with four young men selling used books in a 150-square-foot office to serving over 330 youth annually across sites in Boston, Waltham, and Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Beyond job training, young people engage with case management, life skills training, long-term career services, and deep supportive services, helping to navigate the child welfare and justice systems. Rosenbaum and her team show up in court alongside young people, partner with agencies on prevention and diversion programming, and advocate for systemic changes that will support emerging adults to end cycles of criminalization, trauma, and homelessness.
“I am honored to receive the NCJFCJ Judith Horgan Award on behalf of the incredible staff and young people at More Than Words,” said Rosenbaum. “It is a great source of pride and inspiration to know the NCJFCJ recognizes Judith’s fierce advocacy and relentless commitment to young people being carried on through the mission and model of More Than Words.”
Since 2022, the NCJFCJ has awarded the Judith Horgan Award for Exemplary Service on Behalf of Children and Families in the Court System. The award is named after Judith Horgan of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and former NCJFCJ Board of Director, for her drive and dedicated service to elevate the voice of children and families in the court system. This award acknowledges and celebrates an individual or individuals in the community where the NCJFCJ convenes for the Annual Conference on Juvenile Justice. The recipient is recognized for championing a shared vision for better outcomes involving children and families.
“We are excited to honor More Than Words for their commitment to empowering young people facing adversity,” said Joey Orduña Hastings, NCJFCJ CEO. “By providing hands-on business experience, leadership opportunities, and a pathway to success, Jodi and her incredible team are transforming lives and creating lasting change. We celebrate their dedication to uplifting youth and preparing them for bright futures in any career path they choose.”
“More Than Words has created incredible opportunities for young people who have put themselves out there and done terrific work,” said Horgan. “Jodi and her team’s impact extends beyond the youth they serve—it strengthens the entire community. We are proud to recognize their dedication and the example they set for future generations.”
More than 4 million families are impacted by the work of the NCJFCJ every year. For more information about the NCJFCJ, visit the website.