ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR

NOMINEE #2 donna desforges

The second nominee for Advocate of the Year is Donna Desforges. An advocate for two years, Donna is generous, caring, and kindhearted. She always makes a special connection with the families in her cases because they know that she is a person they can trust and count on.

In her most recent case, Donna was the advocate for an infant who had been the victim of physical abuse. Though the case could be emotionally difficult, Donna was determined to persevere so that she could represent the child’s best interests in court. She attended various doctor visits, observed visitation, and read pages upon pages of medical reports. When the time came to testify in court, Donna was not only thoroughly prepared, but she was also unwavering in her recommendations. Going above and beyond in her advocacy is par for the course for Donna.

She consistently checked on the baby’s aunt/caregiver, took her and the baby out to lunch, dropped off meals when she was ill, secured a much-needed washer and dryer, and generally provided support and friendship to a young lady who found herself in the role of first-time mother. When the biological parents relinquished rights and the case successfully closed with this precious baby in the safe, loving, and permanent home of his aunt, Donna was heralded as the one person who provided the most encouragement, support, and help. Donna embodies excellence in advocacy and we are forever grateful for the impact she makes on our program, her fellow advocates, and our community.