Tammy Lalime

Angels in Adoption 2005 - Vermont

Selected by Senator James M. Jeffords

Tammy Lalime is a tremendous asset to the children of Vermont and the field of adoption. Devotion to foster care and adoption runs in Tammy's family - her mother and grandmother were both foster parents. Together with her husband, Scott. Tammy now has five children, three of them adopted as young children. Living in the rural "Northeast Kingdom" of Vermont, Tammy was first involved in promoting adoption in her community by leading a support group for multicultural families. Families and children feel very comfortable working with Tammy, who is known for her kindness, understanding, and patience combined with boundless energy. They say they trust Tammy because "she is real, she never judges, and she is always willing to go the extra mile to suport us." In 2001, Tammy Lalime began working as a Permanency Planning Counselor for Lund Family Center's Project Family covering the entire Northeast Kingdom. Project Family helps find homes for the many children in Vermont who are legally freed for adoption, waiting in foster homes and residential treatment programs. Tammy has been instrumental in changing the system of care for these children. She has made a profound difference by meeting the needs of the children and families with whom she works. With her goal of finding all the children on her caseload a "forever-loving" family, Tammy has finalized the adoptions of 83 children already, witih 10 more adoptions soon to be completed. I am pleased to select Tammy Lalime as a 2005 Angel in Adoption for her devoted work, her shining example, and her success in bringing hope to so many Vermont children.