Our Amazing Foster Parents Recognized with Golden Heart Awards

In June, CV held the 12th annual Golden Heart Awards Ceremony to highlight the amazing work of our foster parents and caregiver families. During the pandemic, an overwhelmed court system meant that many of our current foster parents selflessly took in more children, and new foster parents stepped up to serve during a very uncertain time. They were a source of safety and unconditional love, so to them we say thank you!

The Aileen Loran Outstanding Foster Parent of the Year Award went to two caregivers: Brenda Cagle and Ramona Williams. This award was named after Aileen Loran, one of our foster parents who passed away this year. Aileen founded the “blended family cookout”, where she brought birth and caregiver families together in support of their children. Ms. Cagle and Ms. Williams received this award because they “created an environment for the children to thrive, ensuring constant communication and access to the birth family, and unconditional love and support.” Their children’s birth mother says that she feels so comfortable knowing that her children are in the homes of such caring people.”

The Kinship Foster Parent of the Year Award went to Stephanie Smith. The social worker who partners with Ms. Smith calls her “an amazing mother, woman and grandmother. She has a beautiful supportive relationship with her daughter, who’s children have come to live with her. She pours love and kindness into everyone around her! Her grandchildren adore her and have adjusted tremendously well.”

The Families Support Teens (FaST) Foster Parent of the Year Award went to Alfredo Johnson. FaST serves older teens who are nearing the age of transition out of foster care and need support. Mr. Johnson is well known at CV for his big heart. He strives to ensure youth in his home feel loved, taken care of, and safe. This year he focused on and embraced shared-parenting, and worked diligently towards reunifications with birth families. Mr. Johnson says that after losing his mother in 2011, a friend introduced him to foster parenting, and it gave him a new purpose in life. There is an overwhelming number of older teens in the foster care system, and we need more people like Mr. Johnson to be there for them.

Marcia Solomon received our Rookie Parent of the Year Award. In less than a year at CV, she has made an incredible impression. She hasn’t missed one training, and is committed to be there for any child in need. Her passion is giving back and inspiring young people to follow their dreams.

Thousands of children remain in the foster care system each year awaiting placement – especially older teens and larger sibling groups. We need more families in New York City and Westchester County to provide the unconditional love and belonging that all children deserve. Click here to learn more about how you can help.

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