The "Jacob's Hope for Safer Communities" sculpture is presented to Jerry and Patty Wetterling in appreciation for all they have done as a family to make the world a safer place for kids.

Jacob Wetterling Foundation is legally changed to better reflect the focus on preventing and reducing the exploitation of children and to provide greater outreach through a new web site www.jwrc.org 

Jacob’s HOPE for Safer Communities scholarships provided to 10 recipients to receive in-depth training regarding missing & exploited children’s issues (prevention education, victim assistance, legislation and advocacy)

The “Jacob’s HOPE for Safer Communities” sculpture is awarded to Bob Ulrich, CEO of Target for his outstanding leadership and commitment to provide community safety resources.

The Annual Trek fundraiser, hosted by cofounder, Jerry Wetterling, approaches a cumulative total of $100,000 in donations since it was first held in 1994

Child Safety Specialist, Alison Feigh publishes two personal safety books published by Free Spirit Publishing:  I Can Play It Safe and On Those Runaway Days

Community Notification Video is updated and released for use at Community Notification Meetings hosted by local law enforcement and are held to inform the public about a recently released Level 3 sex offender in their neighborhood

Fulltime Community Safety Specialist position created; this vital role is filled by Ben Carter, MA

Somali translations of JWF’s online safety and personal safety education tips are completed

The 10th Annual Indian Nations Conference in Palm Springs, CA invited Nancy Sabin to present healing circle concepts to many of the 800 attendees

Harvard Youth Violence Prevention & Mentoring Alliance invited Nancy Sabin to attend a regional summit

Midwest Journalism Conference sponsored by Associated Press invites Nancy Sabin to be the opening speaker to address more than 300 journalists about how children are covered in the media

11th annual gala is held and raised more than $55,000 for JWF’s programs and services

Child Safety Specialist position is created; Alison Feigh filled this vital role

Cofounder, Patty Wetterling resigns from JWF’s board of directors to work at higher levels of policy change at the state or federal level

The first, full-time program manager role is created and upgraded to include a social marketing and public policy specialist; this vital role is filled by Teresa Jacobs, M.A. who has since left JWF to complete her law degree

Online Safety education is added into all personal body safety materials and presentations

10th annual gala is held and raises  $95,000 for JWF’s programs and services

Missing Children’s Day honorary child safety poster artist is selected from Minnesota’s semi-finalists which were orchestrated through JWF

Governor Tim Pawlenty’s Emergency Management conference invites Patty Wetterling and Nancy Sabin to address an audience of more than 400 as opening speakers

Rotary Club sponsored the development and distribution of , “One of a Kind” child ID and safety kits for use throughout the U.S. 

Governor Jesse Ventura chooses Patty Wetterling for the “Leadership Award for Unique Acts of Kindness” for her child advocacy work since 1989 which included the recent launch of the  A.M.B.E.R. Plan in Minnesota.  As the 12th state in the nation to implement an emergency alert system, A.M.B.E.R. Alerts are used in the most severe cases of missing children.

KARE 11-TV launched the web site, “KARE About Kids” with expertise provided by Alison Feigh of JWF

A.M.B.E.R. Plan developed and launched by a special task force that included Jacob Wetterling Foundation’s team in spite of the lack of funding!

9th Annual Gala event raises $85.000 for JWF’s outreach and services

Abductions continue to decline over the last decade, according to the NISMART II study; many experts believe it is due to a combination of more effective personal safety education, new laws and the collective efforts of communities who are committed to the safety of children and teens

Nancy Sabin is hired as Executive Director to begin a formal transition into a more community-based nonprofit that serves all children and their families in Minnesota; Alison Feigh is hired as a part-time program manager

8th Annual Celebrity Sports Banquet and Auction raises $50,000 for JWF’s services

7th Annual Celebrity Sports Banquet and Auction raises $52,000 for JWF’s services

10,000 Balloons released with messages of hope and media PSAs that interns Scott Zimmer and Alison Feigh created are aired 3,205 times during October as part of the 10th anniversary of Jacob Wetterling’s abduction awareness events

1st annual “Family Gathering” healing journey session is held to provide insights and support to victim/survivor families whose child went missing or was abducted

6th Annual Celebrity Sports Banquet and Auction raises $50,000 for JWF services

11 Cent Campaign launches in Minnesota schools as a fundraiser to help JWF 

Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sex Offender Registration Act is passed through the collaborative efforts of Congressman Jim Ramstad, Patty Wetterling and many others

Dean Zaudtke builds “Foundation of Hope” house that raises $50,000 for JWF

KSTP produces “ABCs of Safety” using JWF resources and expertise

Bob Lee is hired as Executive Director to lead JWF (through June 2001)
Child Safety Week is created and launched by JWF

More than 50,000 parents and children attend 135 events to hear JWF’s personal safety messages

More than 10,000 children hear safety messages and receive child ID kits for their families at 57 events through the combined efforts of Northwest Airlines volunteer group,” Jacob’s Wings” and JWF

Minnesota Sex Offender Registration Act is passed through collaborative efforts of JWF and public policy officials

Ron Marotte is hired as Executive Director to lead JWF (through 1993)

A 24-hour/7 days a week Helpline is implemented by JWF to assist the families whose child has gone missing or was abducted

Jacob Wetterling Foundation is designated a 501(c)3 by the Internal Revenue Service after being formed through the combined efforts of local community members and cofounders, Patty and Jerry Wetterling

Megan’s Law is passed with JWF’s assistance, which requires Community Notification Meetings to be held and hosted by local law enforcement when a level 3 sex offender is released in the community