The Adoption Support & Preservation Program (ASAP) of Catholic Charities of Tennessee recently received the Catholic Charities USA Centennial Leadership Award in recognition of the program’s effectiveness in helping youth achieve stability -- and avoid poverty -- through adoption. The award was presented during the Centennial Year Poverty Reduction Summit conducted by Catholic Charities USA in Nashville which brought together more than 200 civic leaders, elected officials, and nonprofit leaders. Pictured at the award presentation are (left to right) Jan Clifton, ASAP Mid-Region Coordinator, Catholic Charities of Tennessee; Bill Sinclair, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Tennessee; and Father Larry Snyder, President and CEO, Catholic Charities USA.

ASAP was one of only three recipients in seven southeastern states to receive a Centennial Leadership Award. ASAP  provides in-home therapeutic services, support groups, parent training, and community advocacy to families who adopt children from the State of Tennessee’s foster care system. Research continues to show the statistical correlation between foster care and poverty. The children in the adoptive families served by ASAP experience a stable adolescence and enter adulthood more prepared for independence.

Please visit our ASAP page to learn more about the program.