Laurie Richardson found at an early age her gift was advocating for children. After marrying her sweetheart, Laurie opened her heart and home to abused and neglected children as a foster parent, of which she adopted four. She and her husband had three of their own. Active in church programs, Laurie helped her children develop talents in music and sports, and encouraged their community involvement while serving as a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. Her son even earned his Eagle. She organized several mother support groups, volunteered for PTA and led many service opportunities. While raising special needs children, Laurie helped communities and schools recognize the unique need of children with academic, social and emotional problems. For 29 years, Laurie voluntarily advocated for children within the school districts, taught parenting classes and represented abused children in court. She also volunteered in and organized her church choir that won a Grammy award.
