Executive Director Steve Habif has announced the 2007 recipients of annual awards that
recognize exceptional dedication to Vermont’s children and families.
Awards were presented to:
• Tara Graham of Burlington, coordinator of the Kids-A-Part program for the
children of incarcerated parents and their caregivers, for her extraordinary service
through VCAS.
• The Sills Family Foundation of Boston, Massachusetts, for their commitment to
and leadership in funding for services for families affected by a parent’s
incarceration.
• Rita Bittner of Milton, who for many years cared for infants awaiting placement
with an adoptive family.
• Patti Smith of Essex Junction for her leadership and dedication to Vermont’s
adoptive families as the former chair of the Vermont Adoption Consortium.
• Bertha Denio of Manchester, who was adopted through Vermont Children’s Aid
Society nearly 70 years ago, and has dedicated her life to helping others around
her as a mother, a community member, and a registered nurse.
According to Habif, “The work of Vermont Children’s Aid Society would not be possible
without such extraordinary supporters, volunteers and colleagues. We are humbled and
grateful to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with such committed, caring people.”
Vermont Children’s Aid Society is a private not-for-profit organization with offices in
Winooski and Woodstock, Vermont. Our professional staff has been supporting and
strengthening families since 1919 through a variety of comprehensive programs
including adoption services, child and family counseling, a children’s summer camp, and
programs for families affected by a parent’s incarceration. VCAS is dedicated to the
provision of services which seek to support and strengthen families, and promote safe,
stable, and nurturing environments for children.
VCAS is a member of six United Way chapters in Vermont as well as a member of the
Child Welfare League of America and a recipient of the Better Business Bureau’s Charity
Seal.
