( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Jean Butler Leads with Heart to Bring Joy and Emotional Healing
In pediatric healthcare, few people understand young patients’ and their families’ emotional and psychological needs quite like Jean Butler. As a longtime advocate for children and a seasoned leader in the nonprofit sector, Jean brings heart, strategy, and innovation to her role as President and CEO of the EnCourage Kids Foundation. Her journey is grounded in empathy and fueled by a deep desire to give hospitalized children more than just treatment—joy, dignity, and emotional healing.
We proudly spotlight Jean Butler and the EnCourage Kids Foundation because of their unwavering commitment to humanizing healthcare. The organization’s programs address medical needs and holistically support children and their families during some of their most vulnerable moments. Their work is a powerful reminder that small acts of kindness, like a soft teddy bear, can spark a lifetime of resilience, comfort, and connection.
Q&A with Jean Butler, President & CEO of EnCourage Kids Foundation
Can you highlight a specific program or initiative that significantly impacted the lives of the children and families you serve?
Absolutely. Our “Send a Smile, Send a Bear” program touches the lives of millions of pediatric patients and their families. I love this program because it demonstrates that a toy is never just a toy—it carries deep emotional meaning. These bears serve as cuddly companions for anxious and afraid kids in hospitals. They symbolize care, comfort, and a return to normalcy during a time that feels anything but normal.
Even more remarkably, medical professionals use the bears as therapeutic tools. Doctors and nurses use them to explain procedures like MRIs or even amputations, preparing the children gently and tangibly. Some kids hold onto their bears for decades. And when we hear that one has worn out, we’re always happy to send them a new one. This program impacts lives on emotional, psychological, and therapeutic levels.
How does EnCourage Kids work to provide holistic support, addressing the medical needs and emotional well-being of the children and their families?
Supporting family members is part of EnCourage Kids’ DNA. We know it’s not just the patient who suffers—the entire family. With connections to over 300 hospitals, we have a direct line to the needs of caregivers, siblings, and extended family. For example, we honored Jacob Portnoy of St. Mary’s Hospital at our gala for launching a sibling support program that aligns perfectly with our holistic approach. We always aim to support the entire family ecosystem, not just the child undergoing treatment.
What are some of the most inspiring examples of resilience you’ve witnessed in the children EnCourage Kids supports, and what role does the foundation play in fostering that strength?
I wish more adults had the resilience we see in these kids. I’ve been in this field for over 18 years, and every year I’m struck by the strength of the children we serve. At our toy distribution events—whether during summer or the holidays—we see children arrive in hospital gowns, sometimes attached to IVs, yet they light up with pure joy when they see our toys and bears. It’s a testament to how powerful joy and play can be, even in adversity. The foundation creates those joyful moments that help kids reclaim part of their childhood, even during medical crises.
What are some of the emerging needs you’re seeing among the children and families you serve? And how is EnCourage Kids Foundation adapting its strategies and programs to address these challenges?
Through our Pediatric Hospital Support Program (PHSP), we receive proposals from hospitals nationwide, giving us real insight into what’s trending. Right now, there’s strong demand for pet therapy, music therapy, and adaptive play items for children with special needs. The need is so great that our current funding levels can’t keep up. COVID took a significant toll on our organization, halving our funding, revenue, and staff. So when I stepped into this role two years ago, I faced a mountain. But we’re climbing it by listening to our partners and staying responsive.
Can you discuss some key partnerships EnCourage Kids has forged with hospitals, community organizations, or stakeholders that amplify its impact?
I’ve always believed in the power of partnerships. When I joined EnCourage Kids, I knew we couldn’t do this work alone. One of the first things I did was approach FAO Schwarz to help redesign our signature bear. Thanks to them, it’s now co-branded, made of higher quality materials, and beautifully soft. We’ve also partnered with companies in real estate, hospitality, and culinary sectors—many of whom have supported us for decades. Once people experience our mission firsthand, they stay involved and become advocates.
What are some of the most meaningful ways that individuals or organizations looking to support EnCourage Kids Foundation can get involved and contribute to making a difference in the lives of these amazing kids?
There are many ways to get involved, starting with visiting our website at Encourage-Kids.org. We host three major events yearly: our annual Gala, a July golf event in Long Island, and the “Serving Up Smiles” culinary fundraiser in October at Chelsea Piers. These events are fun, moving, and 100% donor-supported. Attendees get to see firsthand the impact of their involvement. We also welcome sponsorships, donations, and volunteers who want to join us in bringing smiles to children who need them most.
Jean Butler’s leadership at the EnCourage Kids Foundation is a shining example of how creativity, compassion, and strategic partnerships can improve pediatric healthcare experiences. By recognizing the emotional and psychological needs of young patients and their families, she is shifting the culture of care to one that is more human, hopeful, and healing. At ENSPIRE, we believe in spotlighting leaders like Jean because their work reminds us all that giving back isn’t just about charity—it’s about changing lives.
For more information or to support their mission, visit Encourage-Kids.org.
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