Kids First Center is very pleased to honor Terri DeCoster & Elizabeth Stout
with the Kids First Center Outstanding Service Award 
​to be presented at BLOOM at Thompson's Point on May 4, 2018.
 
Terri DeCoster, MS, CPC 

​Kids First was founded in 1998 through a collaborative effort between Resources for Divorced Families, and the Junior League of Portland, Maine.  Terri’s involvement in the Junior League brought her to the newly forming organization that year, and her enthusiasm and commitment to helping families through difficult times quickly landed her a spot on the founding board.

Terri took on the role of program facilitator working first with kids in support groups, and then the Kids First Program for Stepparents and New Partners, which she continues to instruct.  She served on many committees over the years, chaired the Programs Committee, and eventually served as President of the Board.  As the longest serving board member, Kids First benefited immeasurably from her loyal stewardship. Terri’s compassionate nature, keen sense of humor, and tireless work ethic over the years combined to make her a valuable asset to Kids First, and her ongoing presence as a facilitator remains a positive experience for parents and families.
Elizabeth Stout, Esq. 

Liz joined our board in 2007.  As an experienced family law attorney working with families struggling through divorce and separation, Liz was committed to serving her clients while also helping them navigate the divorce process in the least adversarial way.  Minimizing the negative effects of parental separation on children is her top priority, and her dedicated work on the board of Kids First reflected this philosophy. 

​Liz championed the needs of children by serving on multiple committees over the years, chaired both the  Programs and Donor Development committees, and eventually served as President of the Board.   Liz’ passion and moral compass make her a natural leader and as such, Liz was an integral member of the Kids First board.  While starting up her own nonprofit, Maine Community Law Center (designed to provide affordable legal assistance to families), Liz continues her Kids First involvement by facilitating free evening workshops for parents, offering her unique mix of legal expertise and child welfare knowledge.
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