It is with profound gratitude and admiration that we honor the legacy of SuEllen Fried, a true champion of children and families. As Prevent Child Abuse America’s first Kansas Chapter Director and a lifetime member of our Board of Directors, SuEllen devoted her life to creating a safer, more nurturing world for children and families. Her work as a trailblazer in child abuse prevention and her devotion to human dignity has changed countless lives and inspired a movement.

SuEllen’s journey with Prevent Child Abuse America (PCA America) began in 1976 when she was asked by PCA America Founder Donna J. Stone to establish the first state chapter in Kansas. Her boundless energy and vision quickly became evident, and from 1980 to 1982, she served as Chairman of the National Board of Directors, laying the groundwork for our enduring mission. Through her tireless advocacy and leadership, SuEllen helped set the standard for our prevention efforts, always focusing on proactive support to help families thrive before a crisis ever arises.

A proud sister of Sigma Delta Tau, SuEllen helped forge a lasting philanthropic partnership between her beloved sorority and Prevent Child Abuse America, exemplifying her lifelong commitment to both community and service. In 1984, Sigma Delta Tau honored her with its Achievement Award, and later named her one of its Outstanding Alumnae. SuEllen even returned as a celebrated speaker for the sorority’s centennial celebration in 2017.

Beyond her work with PCA America, SuEllen co-founded Reaching Out from Within, a pioneering self-help program for incarcerated individuals, where she dedicated over 35 years to helping others rewrite their futures. Under her compassionate guidance, more than 90% of participants in this program have not returned to prison—a profound testament to the life-changing power of empathy and human connection. SuEllen often shared that she saw “an angel and a beast” within everyone and believed deeply that “the more we are willing to hold onto the angel, the more we are willing to look at the beast.” Her gentle presence and unshakable belief in people’s potential have inspired transformation far beyond the walls of Prevent Child Abuse America.

SuEllen’s contributions to child advocacy were equally far-reaching. A national voice in the anti-bullying movement, she co-authored three influential books on bullying and spoke to over 80,000 students, educators, and parents across 36 states. Her advocacy has reached millions, highlighted on platforms like The TODAY Show and CBS News. In 2022, she received the Prevent Child Abuse America Power of Kindness Award, underscoring her unwavering belief that kindness is not just an action—it is a way of life that can change the world.

SuEllen showed us that transformative change is possible when we invest in people and uplift families in moments of need. In her memory, we invite you to carry forward her legacy of preventing child abuse, building resilience, and fostering brighter futures for all children and families.

Here’s how you can honor SuEllen’s legacy:

SuEllen believed in the potential of each person to make a difference. Whether through donations, advocacy, or acts of service, you can be part of a movement that ensures every child and family has the opportunity live a purposeful and happy life with hope for the future.

Together, let’s carry forward SuEllen’s legacy of compassion and commitment, creating a kinder, safer world for all children and families.

SuEllen’s family has organized a Celebration of Life; it will be on Saturday, November 9 from 2 pm-5 pm at Yardley Hall on the Johnson County Community College campus.