Friend of Youth in Care Award
Each year the award is presented to a caring adult who has exhibited leadership on behalf of youth in foster care. Youth in foster care face many challenges. Caring adults can assist youth who are facing these challenges by providing support, advocacy and friendship. Additionally, there are those people who come up with creative solutions to make the system better for all youth in care. They deserve our thanks.
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The Friend of Youth in Care Award will go to those adults who are willing to:
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Make a commitment to youth in care
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Advocate for youth in care
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Be leaders on behalf of youth in care
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Be a positive role model for youth in care
2024
Cody's Closet
Cody's Closet
Cody’s Closet was created in memory of Cody Markham, a foster care alum, who never stopped working to improve his life. He died in a fatal car accident in 2022. In his honor, Cody’s Closet was created for teens in foster care to have a place to shop, specifically for teens.
Cody’s Closet is a dedicated space specifically to meet the needs of teenagers in foster care, located within the Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine (AFFM) office in Bangor.
Cody’s Closet offers teens in foster care a unique shopping experience designed exclusively for them, honoring Cody's legacy and providing them with a supportive environment to access essential items.
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Examples of Items Available:
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School Supplies, Clothing, Toiletries/Hygiene Products,
Makeup Phone Accessories, Speakers Journals, Lights and More
Past FYIC Award Recipients:
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2023: Senator Chip Curry · 2022: Chris Hunninghaus · 2021: Dulcey Laberge · 2020: Marty Zanghi · 2019: New Beginnings · 2018: New England Youth Coalition (NEYC) · 2017: Penthea Burns · 2016: A Place Called H.O.M.E. · 2015: Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) · 2014: Representative Seth Berry & Senator Gratwick · 2013: Laurie Davis · 2012: Jobs for Maine’s Graduates · 2011: Dianna Walters · 2010: William R. Bradford, II · 2009: Bette Hoxie · 2008: James Siragousa · 2007: Bobby Strauss · 2006: Lucky Hollander, Susan Verrill, Susan Kimball, Linda Guiggey · 2005: Heidi Krieger · 2004: Marty Zanghi & the Maine Legislative Youth Council · 2003: Karen Westburg & Maddy Thibeault · 2002: Hugh Sipowicz & Sonya Gerry · 2001: Bill Dickenson · 2000: Representative Michael Brennan