TAMMY RICHARDSON

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Tammy spent over a decade serving as a Youth Transition Specialist for the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS). Tammy embodied what it means to be an unwavering champion for young people. She walked alongside the young people she worked with, believing fiercely in their potential even when they might have struggled to see it themselves.

The YLAT community held a special place in Tammy’s heart. She was incredibly proud to be a part of this network and made it her personal mission to ensure that every single young person she worked with felt welcomed, encouraged, and empowered to give YLAT a try. She knew the power of community, and she built bridges to it every single day.

When young people, alumni, and colleagues reflect on Tammy, they speak of her brilliant sense of humor, her infectious energy and laugh, and a tenacious commitment to advocacy. She was fierce when fighting for the rights and well-being of youth, yet incredibly gentle in her care. As one colleague beautifully shared, Tammy was often looked upon as the “Rock and Roll Mother Theresa” a beacon of fun, patience, and comfort.

 The warmth of Tammy’s spirit and the echo of her laughter, remain woven into the fabric of Maine's foster care community and her legacy lives on in the young people who carry her encouragement with them into the future.