Meet the 2015 Family and Alumni Honorees
These awards recognize those foster care alumni, birth parents, kinship caregivers and resource parents who have demonstrated extraordinary efforts on behalf of those involved in child welfare.
Select the photo below to read more about this year’s honorees
Sandra Killett
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
Sandra Killett, executive director of the Child Welfare Organizing Project, is a tireless champion for New York City families in the child welfare system. A single mother of two boys, her older son was placed in foster care nearly a decade ago due to aggressive behavior problems. Through her strong advocacy, her son was able to successfully reunite with the family and the two have a close relationship. Ms. Killett has educated parents about their rights and reunification processes, and worked to reform child welfare policies through years of advocacy. In addition to her service on numerous boards and committees, Ms. Killett is an engaging public speaker who promotes the value of parent voices in shaping programs and policies that improve outcomes for families.
Timothy Phipps
PORTLAND, OREGON
Timothy Phipps is a single father and advocate from Portland, Oregon, who successfully turned around his alcohol and drug addiction and domestic violence issues to provide a safe and healthy environment for his 12 year-old daughter. After his experience in a parent support group and numerous classes in parenting, anger management and healthy relationships, Mr. Phipps became a parent mentor with Morrison Child and Family Services. He facilitates a support group to help fathers regain custody of their children, if possible, or rebuild healthy, consistent relationships with them. A founding member of the Fathers Advisory Board in Multnomah County, he is also on a subcommittee working to develop a statewide parent leadership team for Oregon’s child welfare system.
Jerry and Sally Ellis
NAMPA, IDAHO
Jerry and Sally Ellis have been foster parents for 21 years, helping to raise 20 children in addition to their own children. The Ellis’ heartfelt and enduring commitment has led to many successful outcomes for youth in their home and they work hard to facilitate contact between youth, birth family and siblings. For the past two years, the Ellis family has made their home available for weekly sibling visits between five siblings who were not able to be placed together. They have also provided short-term and respite care to countless youth over the past two decades. Additionally, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis offer guidance to a wide range of foster parents, contribute to a statewide Foster Parent Conference and participate in training and educational opportunities.
Bobby and Teresa Coleman
PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Bobby and Teresa opened their home to Bobby’s 15-year-old, second cousin in 2013, adding to their three own children, including one with special needs. The Colemans welcomed and encouraged a relationship and communication with their foster son’s family. After his biological parents decided the Colemans would better meet his needs, Mr. and Mrs. Coleman became the boy’s guardians. They further welcomed his younger brother into their home as a family member. Viewed as role models by other foster parents, the Colemans are excellent advocates and always seek additional opportunities for growth and life lessons for the youth in their care.
Lamar Graham
COLUMBUS, OHIO
An alumnus of foster care, Lamar Graham is director of the Heart to Heart Food Pantry for First Community Church. There, he has greatly increased volunteers at the food pantry as well as local business donations. In addition, he has created a welcoming atmosphere – with music, recipes and cooking demonstrations. Mr. Graham has also worked on initiatives to support foster youth in higher education and is a highly regarded and inspiring foster alumni trainer for the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program. In his spare time, Mr. Graham works at a recreation center, organizing basketball and volleyball and movie nights for local youth. He also teaches Sunday school and mentors other youth, including his foster brothers.
