Foster care has been a part of my life since I was 5 years old...that is the first time I lived in a foster home. It was the first time I had a social worker. I still remember her name; it was Miss Felvella from right here--in the Rutland, VT, district. After a childhood of reunifications, foster placements, and stints of living with relatives, I grew up. I got married, had children, cared for foster children, did day care in my home, and I now have adopted a child.

This night is not about the pain, or the grief, or the hardships of my childhood. It is about the power of those peoples who cared enough to make a difference. And, foster care did make a difference. Some was hurtful, even traumatic, but some was healing and supportive and life sustaining.

In the end when I stand at this podium as president of this association, I know I am in the company of some of the most caring, most dedicated people that I've ever had the pleasure of being in the same room with.

As a child, I received from my last foster mother a genuine depth of acceptance that brought me, at the age of 15, to know for the first time what it felt like to be good enough and deserving enough to be loved.

Her expectations were high but fair. Her opinions about what was right and wrong were ingrained in her attitudes and behavior toward me and others. But, when I messed up and disappointed her she continued to accept me just the same.

I raced through a childhood without a safe place to play, or learn, or think, or rest. I survived within a twisting whirl of adults who were out of control. I landed dizzy and scared on the inside, tough and rebellious on the outside, in the protective custody of a system that for all of its imperfections cared. I was led by a tall, matronly social worker, who while on the way to court said to me, "...it's not your fault, some parents just had kids before they were able to take care of them."

She placed me in the arms of a 54-year-old woman who for all her mistakes and all of mine never once abandoned me.

I stand here tonight in the presence of staff and foster parents who are following in the path of those who for all those years made a difference in my life.

Every time any one of you reaches out to touch the life of a child or adolescent, whether that be in your capacity as a social worker, a supervisor, a manager, a member of the court or the legislature, a foster family doing respite, long- or short-term care, or a family adeopting, you make a statement. You say, I care about the lives of children and their families. I'm willing and able to extend a piece of myself to help heal the wounds of others.

I heard something the other day that stayed with me. A therapist friend of mine said, "The therapist is the guide, the client is the hero." I believe that is true about Human Services staff and foster parents. You are the guide that lights the way for a chance at an improved life.