Our Partner of the Year is the First Star Old Dominion University Academy.  First Star is a national organization that helps propel high-school-aged foster youth to successful adulthood through immersive experiences on college campuses across the Nation. TFFC was proud to be a catalyst in helping to bring a First Star Academy here to the Hampton Roads area and we have partnered with First Star at ODU to help bring this important programming to the foster youth we serve. For their incredible partnership and impact for emerging adults in foster care, we are proud to present the Partner of the Year Award to the First Star Old Dominion University Academy.

This year, TFFC presented a new award for Outstanding Statewide Impact. This prestigious accolade celebrates the tireless efforts of those implementing innovative policies, spearheading systemic reforms, and demonstrating unwavering dedication to improving the lives of children in foster care. We are pleased to announce that this recognition is given to Sixto Cancel, not only as a testament to his commitment to excellence but also as an inspiration for others to follow suit in creating positive change within the foster care community. Sixto Cancel is the CEO and founder of Think of Us. He led Think of Us through a rapid evolution, creating the Think of Us app in 2018; assisting the Federal government and 44 states in disbursing $400M in Federal pandemic relief funds to former foster youth in 2020-21; building the Lived Experience Network; and launching the Center for Lived Experience to center lived-experience in research and national policy-making in 2022.

Dr. Mitchell is a Professor of Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases as well as an adoptive father. In 2015, Dr. Mitchell approached the local Departments of Social Services to improve the overall quality of care and processes for the medical care of children in foster care. This new regiment of care meant that foster youth were seen more frequently, were first in line for mental health screenings, and had electronic medical records that their social workers could access on demand.  Dr. Mitchell systematically trained local pediatric offices of CHKD to reduce barriers and standardize care. Many people don’t realize that traumatic childhood experiences can leave lasting health impacts, well into adulthood, that can actually shorten a person’s life.  Intervening with the right medical care early on, can make all the difference for long-term health. We are proud to recognize Dr. Douglas Mitchell for this incredible contribution to the wellbeing of foster youth.

Sury is the creator of Pieza de Alegria (Piece of Joy) and our first-place winner in this year’s Art From the Heart competition.  Sury is an 8th grader who participates in our tutoring program.  She enjoys music, journaling, hiking, crafts, cooking, and is an incredibly talented artist!

This year we recognized, Ms. Toni Taylor, a volunteer who has gone above and beyond, and without whom we could not serve so many children.  Toni has selflessly donated hundreds of hours to our gifting program ensuring that every toy or gift pulled from our gift closet is wrapped with love so our children feel cherished and valued on birthdays and holidays.

Shelia has been a special education teacher for 34 years. She has worked with over 30 of our foster care students since joining our team in 2017, providing over 2500 hours of instruction.  She is a true advocate for all of her students, going above and beyond in providing support for them and their families, so students can succeed and their parents have effective tools to support their youth at home and in school.