Each year at our Growing Pains conference, NILA presents awards to an outstanding youth, agency and individual. Please watch for nomination forms in the NILA Update and help us thank those who make transitioning to adulthood easier for youth!


  is presented to an agency that has shown great efforts and a strong commitment to advocating on behalf of young people in care. This agency also provides valuable resources and support to independent living and transitional living programs.

2005 NILA Award Winner - Northwest Media, Inc. (OR)

Northwest Media, Inc. 2005 NILA Award Winner

Past NILA Award winners include:       2000 - California Youth Connections (CA)       2001 - Texas Department of Protective and                  Regulatory Services (TX)       2002 - National Resource Center for Youth                  Services (OK)       2003 - Lighthouse Youth Services (OH) and                  Microlife, Inc. (WI)       2004 - Daniel Memorial, Inc. (FL)

 is given to a member who has dedicated themselves to NILA’s mission beyond expectations. This person has lead the way for positive changes in program practices, healthier policies, and a higher quality of care for older adolescents.

2005 Founder’s Award Winner - Robin Nixon

Past Founder's Award winners include:      1999 - Bill Pinto      2000 - Mark Kroner      2001 - Dottie Ansel      2002 - Karolyn Gould      2003 - Bill Griffin      2004 - Kathi Crow

Robin Nixon 2005 Founder's Award Winner

award is presented to an individual youth whose achievements in independent living skills have proven to be outstanding and commendable. This individual is an achiever, an excellent role model to peers, positive community member, and encouraging leader. Our past recipients have all exceeded this description.


2005 Youth Award Winner - Makeisha Williams

	Makeisha Williams   2005 Youth of the Year	Past Youth Award Winner:      2000 - Myeisha Grice      2001 - Madeline Burgess      2002 - Devon McRavion      2003 - Melinda Medina           2004 - Tina Williams