LARNED — Terry and Marilyn Perez of Larned were recently honored as the first recipients of the Denise Stabler Foster Care Award of Excellence from Associated Youth Services.
Associated Youth Services spokesperson Debra Terrell McKenzie said the Perez family has provided exceptional service to foster youth for AYS for 18 years. They were honored recently at a dinner during National Foster Care Month in Kansas City, Kan.
“We truly were surprised to be honored,” Marilyn said. “We provide foster care because we enjoy doing it and we enjoy helping children.”
Marilyn said the Perez family has provided a safe haven for children for 31 years.
The AYS award honors the memory of Denise Stabler, who worked for AYS for the past 25 years. She passed away in March after a battle with cancer.
“She dedicated 25 years of her professional life to AYS, its foster care and residential programs,” McKenzie said. “She was instrumental in building and growing the foster program. It’s known for its high-quality training for foster parents, attentiveness to the needs of foster parents and youth and consistent positive outcomes for youth.” 
According to the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, there were 5,148 children in foster placements at the end of 2010. AYS foster parents provided 156 youngsters a safe and loving Kansas home in 2009-2010. 
“The need for caring and supportive foster parents is vital to the futures of our community’s children,” McKenzie said. 
The 2011 Foster Parent Appreciation Event celebrated the life of Denise Stabler, AYS vice-president of out-of-home services, She was recognized by the Kansas Children’s Alliance in 2008 for her service to AYS and the state’s foster care system.
AYS accepts single or married applicants, and those with or without children already residing in the household. AYS programs include an alternative school for middle and high school students, an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program, foster care and foster care training, a youth residential center and a health program.
For information, contact Jacki Jackson at (913) 831-2820, ext. 227 or visit AYS at www.aysusa.org.