Taylor Pyles
Volunteer of the Year
You would never guess from Taylor Pyle’s easy-going demeanor and positive attitude the difficult childhood he endured. Taylor, a victim of child abuse, who grew up in foster care, is a powerful force who has made an encouraging difference for hundreds of foster children in this community and beyond. As a volunteer, Taylor has spent his adult life fighting for the under-served population of abused and neglected children so that they may have resources that he didn't have as a child growing up in foster care. His determination, compassion, and empathy have helped foster youth to have hope, feel loved and cared for, and succeed even though their circumstances may at times seem discouraging.
In addition to volunteering more than 40 hours a week at The Blue Ribbon Project (BRP), which he founded in 2013, Taylor also volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). As a CASA volunteer Taylor is responsible for a child in the foster care program and is the child's advocate in court hearings. Taylor also works closely with the Anne Arundel County Foster Parent Association providing space for them to host meetings and trainings at BRP. In addition to spending quality time with his own family, he’s unwavering in his commitment to helping foster kids. For example, you might find Taylor supervising foster children on a weekend so foster parents can attend crucial meetings and support groups. Taylor also spends many hours working closely with local government agencies, such as Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Child Advocacy Center aiding foster children and learning how to adapt BRP programs to the needs of the children in the system.
“Taylor works tirelessly to reach as many children as possible in Anne Arundel County and beyond and he works to close the gap between the number of children served and the number of children in the system,” said nominator Kelley Patrick, a BRP volunteer. “His hope is that through our various programs we can support these child victims and ultimately improve the chances that these children can live happy and productive lives.”
Corie Jones, BRP Assistant Executive Director agreed: “His positive impact supporting abused and neglected children has had a profound effect on these children as they grow up and become contributing members to our community.”
BRP has a number of programs in place that serve foster children, including but not limited to Backpacks of Love, backpacks filled with essential items for youth entering foster care; Mirah’s Closet, a place where foster children and their families can “shop” for clothing; birthday parties; and programs for older youth.
Tracy Madera, LCSW-C, a Recruitment & Retention Specialist with Anne Arundel County DSS has seen first-hand the positive and lasting impact Taylor and BRP have made on foster youth and families. “Without Taylor and BRP, we would not have nearly the number of resources that we do now,” she said. “We are truly grateful for everything Taylor has done and continues to do for foster families and youth in care. Taylor has without a doubt made a powerful, lasting impact on the fostering community.”
Taylor Pyles was nominated by The Blue Ribbon Project.
This award is presented to an individual or team of volunteers (formal or informal) with a proven record of volunteerism who, through the donations of time and talent, has played a key role in helping local nonprofit organizations provide services to the community. They often make the difference in an organization being able to expand its services to a wider audience or move its programs to a higher level of service to the community.