Foster Care Alumni Award
Each year, we recognize and honor the important contributions of the child welfare system alumni in Maine with the Foster Care Alumni Award. We will strive to award to a male and female alumni each year.
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The recipient must be a former youth in care, 22 years old or older, who has demonstrated that he or she has:
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Made a strong commitment to helping youth currently in care.
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Advocated on behalf of youth in care.
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Practiced effective leadership within change efforts (such as youth leadership meetings, work groups, committee work, projects, etc.).
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Acted as a positive role model for youth in care.
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May have participated in outdoor adventure programs
Alumni Award Recipients
2018: Tia Knowlton-Basford and Huyanna Clearwater
2024
Alicia Bissonette
Alicia Bissonette
Alicia (Allie) is a YLAT participant who has shown dedication to using her lived experiences to create change for other youth in care, and to providing her unique perspective to providers and community members. Allie is studying Animal Behavior at Unity College, successfully parenting a young daughter, working, and finding time to advocate for herself and other youth in care. A dedicated volunteer and community member, Allie inspires others
around her.
2024
Sean Webb
Sean Webb
Sean is an avid learner and artist and has participated in many YLAT and OCFS-sponsored events. Sean is genuine, kind, and compassionate, and has encouraged other YLAT
youth to follow their pathways, explore new
opportunities, and be creative. Sean has generously shared
his love of and talents with art, and is a willing and able
communicator. He encourages folks around him to challenge themselves, accept their emotions, and honor the
people who have helped along the way.
Foster Care Alumni Award Recipients:
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2023: Monique Brown & Noah Patnaude · 2022: Chance Isazu & Leah Cleland · 2021: Tiffani Melia & Jacob Hills · 2020: Mariah Knight & Edward Schnopp · 2019: William Bradford & Amber Munson · 2018: Tia Knowlton-Basford & Huyanna Clearwater · 2017: Kyle Snyder & Stephanie Gerard · 2016: Jessica Harris & Sierra Reed · 2015: Cheri Crossman & Carleigh Lynn Boston · 2014: Josh Magaw & Jill Esty · 2013: Denise Altvater & BJ Kitchin · 2012: Michael Augustine & Kesha Shelton
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