Foster Forward’s Lisa Guillette awarded the 2024 Murray Family Prize for community leadership

Photo: Foster Forward Executive Director Lisa Guillette, holding flowers, with her family at the 2024 Murray Family Prize award ceremony at the Rhode Island Foundation.

The 2024 Murray Family Prize for Community Enrichment at the Rhode Island Foundation has been awarded to Lisa Guillette, executive director of Foster Forward. With the honor, Guillette received $50,000 in recognition of her strong commitment to helping Rhode Islanders in need. There are no restrictions on the use of the money. 

“Lisa’s tireless focus on ensuring young people in crisis have the supports to lead fulfilling lives makes her a remarkable example for others to emulate. We take great pride in recognizing her for her determination and dedication,” said Paula McNamara, daughter of Terrence and Suzanne Murray, who along with her parents, brothers and sisters established the Murray Family Prize at the Foundation. 

At Foster Forward, Guillette directs a statewide nonprofit organization with an annual operating budget of $5.2 million. The organization supports teenagers and young adults who are currently or were formerly in the foster care system. 

“Every child deserves a home to grow up in and an adult to rely on – one who’ll witness their achievements, guide their decisions and keep them moving forward. We work tirelessly to ensure their potential is not squandered,” said Guillette. “I am grateful to the Murray family for honoring all that our board, staff, donors, volunteers and foster parents have achieved.” 

In 2023 alone, Foster Forward provided housing, job training, mentorship and supportive services to more than 400 young people.  

“Our programs help young people whose lives have been upended, through no fault of their own, obtain the support, guidance and resources necessary to lead independent and successful lives,” said Guillette. 

Previously, she served as Research and Communications Coordinator for the Rhode Island Technical Assistance Project. She earned a BS in Social Work and an MBA at Providence College. 

“Rhode Island is blessed to have people like Lisa, who are working relentlessly and quietly to improve the lives of those around them. We applaud the Murray family for allowing us to help bring their inspiring stories to light,” said David N. Cicilline, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation. 

The Murray Family Prize was launched in 2017. Recent recipients include Dan Corley, founder of the Community Preparatory School, Joe Garlick, executive director of NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley; Marie Ghazal, former executive director of the Rhode Island Free Clinic; Eileen Hayes, executive director of Amos House; Mario Bueno, executive director of Progreso Latino; and Kate Brewster, executive director of the Jonnycake Center for Hope in South Kingstown. 

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through civic leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit rifoundation.org. 

PHOTO CAPTION: Foster Forward Executive Director Lisa Guillette (center smiling at the camera) with her family at the 2024 Murray Family Prize award ceremony at the Rhode Island Foundation. Guillette received the annual $50,000 prize for her long commitment to helping teenagers and young adults who are currently or were formerly in the foster care system.