Doris Lyles Receives Distinguished Service Award
Doris Lyles (third from left) poses with (l-r) Catholic Charities Board President Clinton Daly, Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien, and Catholic Charities Executive Director Hal Smith after receiving her award.
Every year at An Evening With Catholic Charities, we honor a few extraordinary individuals who represent the best in our staff and volunteers. They personify our mission to cherish the Divine within those who need us and we are proud to count them among the Catholic Charities family. On Tuesday, March 4, one of our honorees was Doris Lyles.
Entering the life of a hurting child in crisis isn't an undertaking for the faint of heart. Among those who have accepted the challenge is Doris Lyles.
For the past 14 years she has served as a foster parent, opening her home to eight children who have stayed from six months to nine years. As children transition to other living arrangements, Doris continues a relationship of support and trust through visits and other means of communication. She also helps the children maintain contact with their birth families when appropriate.
When therapists assessed that residential treatment was required for one child, Doris stayed in touch and welcomed the child back into her home upon discharge. The success stories of the children include moving from special education classes to a mainstream curriculum, behavioral improvements and future college aspirations.
She has filled the dual role as educator and recruiter within the community to help spread the word about treatment foster care and the need for additional foster homes throughout Central Maryland.
Believing that her service in foster care is a Divine calling, Doris Lyles has been able to inspire children to strive for a better life. The children who have found her home to be a place of rest and restoration are forever changed and grateful.
