Fran Cameron, a family caseworker for CHD’s Transition to Independent Living program (TILP), was recently recognized as a Game Changer at a Springfield Thunderbirds hockey game. TILP provides placement and casework support to youth aged 17-22, most of whom are aging out of foster care, and places them in CHD-leased community apartments throughout western Massachusetts.

At each home game, the Thunderbirds, in partnership with CHD, present a “Game Changer” award to recognize someone who has made a difference in the Pioneer Valley community through their selfless acts and dedication.

“With a trauma-informed perspective, Fran and her fellow caseworkers promote these young people’s efforts toward stability and self-sufficiency, helping provide them with daily living skills, and supporting vocational and educational endeavors, fiscal responsibility, and community connection,” according to her introduction during the game. “She helps them prepare for adulthood.”

Cameron has been at CHD since 1988, starting with our agency’s Foster Care program, working tirelessly to learn about clients’ needs and goals and meeting them where they’re at to help them learn and grow. She helps the youths in TILP become their own cheerleaders, finding the positive in them and nurturing each young adult into believing in themselves.

“She approaches each experience with an open mind, humor and energy, and she is always helpful to other CHD staff,” according to her introduction. “Fran represents the best that CHD has to offer in an effort lend a helping hand to some of the most vulnerable youth in our community, helping them develop life skills for independence.”

If you’d like to recognize someone for their impact in the community, click here. In addition to being recognized at the game, nominees receive four free tickets to the game!