2023 Phyllis Richards Icon for Youth Awards

Phyllis Richards Icon for Youth Awards

Do you know someone who exemplifies excellence in improving outcomes for children or teens? 

• Community Activist Award is for an individual who is dedicated to positive outcomes for children and teens through volunteerism and/or philanthropy  
• Professional Excellence Award is for an individual who is dedicated to positive outcomes for children and teens by exemplifying excellence in their profession.   
• Corporate Partner of the Year Award recognizes the work of a corporate or business that has demonstrated exceptional support and investment for increasing access to mental health programs for children and families in Texas   
• Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an individual or group who has volunteered their time, skills, and passion to advance the mission of ACGC  
• Partner of the Year Award recognizes an individual, organization, or community partner who has gone above and beyond to advance the mission and values of ACGC.   

To submit a nomination, fill out our form HERE. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, July 12, 2023.  

Nomination Criteria 

Scope and Impact of Work  

• How has the work of the nominee improved the quality of life for children and teens?  

• How has the nominee exemplified leadership in these efforts?  
• How long has the nominee been working to help improve the quality of life for children and teens?  

Innovation  

• Has the nominee created or improved events, programs, systems, or processes to improve the quality of life for children and teens?  

Growth and Perseverance  

• How has the nominee overcome obstacles in reaching their accomplishments?   
• In what ways did the nominee display growth from facing difficult circumstances?  

Selection and Recognition Process  

• Finalists from each category will be selected from the nominees. ACGC will recognize all nominees and publicly announce the finalists prior to the event.  

• ACGC’s Board will choose the award winners and they will be revealed at our award ceremony.   

• During the event program, each finalist and award winner will be recognized for their dedication to improving future outcomes for children and teens.   

**AWARD CEREMONY DATE COMING SOON** Tentatively scheduled for August 26, 2023.

For additional questions, send an email to our Development Team. 

History of the Award

Dr. Phyllis Richards had over 70 years of dedicated service in child development and shaping service delivery to children. Her commitment to ensuring that all children have access to quality early childhood education and mental health services has created long-term impacts for thousands of children. She served as a faculty member for The University of Texas at Austin’s School of Human Ecology Division of Human Development and Family Sciences for forty years. She was a visionary leader and researcher in the field of early childhood education and development, and worked vigorously to help establish the Head Start program on a national level. In her five years of service on the Austin Child Guidance Center’s Board of Directors, she was influential in helping the Center become the first site in Central Texas to provide mental health services to children who were victims of sexual abuse. 

Dr. Phyllis Richards passed away on April 18, 2023. This year, the awards ceremony will hold a special significance as we pay tribute to her life's work, which has been the cornerstone of child development services today. Dr. Richards' selfless commitment to children will always be remembered and celebrated by all those whose lives she touched. 

2022 Winners 

Community Activists: Kayla and Louie 

“Kayla and Louie, known for their trending TikTok Video from Austin Originals, has helped ACGC reach new heights in visibility. Both took the time to use their platform and following to bring attention to ACGC and our mission while making Austin Originals 2022 an unforgettable memory for many. Since then, ACGC has received numerous donations and heartwarming support from not only the local community but nationally. It has been a while since Austin Originals has ended but they have actively continued to help promote ACGC and garner support for children's mental health.” – Anonymous 

Professional Excellence: Stacy Johnson, Central Texas Table of Grace 

“Not only is Stacy’s story of being emancipated from the foster care system herself inspirational, but her success in the private sector and non-profit sector highlights strong, female leadership... Stacy and her team have provided emergency shelters for ~70 foster kids annually. Stacy’s leadership has created an award-winning non-profit, but more importantly, her passion shows in her hands-on approach to the foster kids, teens, and young adults in her non-profit’s care...Stacy is constantly engaged with the community, volunteers, and partners to help procure necessary monetary donations, establish volunteer programs, mentor programs, and events, and continually focus on the foster children and young adults to help ensure their safety, health, and path to happiness.” – David Church 

 Corporate Partner of the Year: Lowe’s 

“Lowe’s 100 Hometowns was a unique centennial celebration that united armies of Lowe’s employees with worthy organizations across the US. Because of the Lowe's 100 Hometowns grant, ACGC was able to reopen its doors to serve the community after the devastation caused by the 2021 Winter Storm. Lowe's and their team came in and lifted the organization when it was at its lowest point, providing much-needed financial assistance as well as support and guidance from their team of experts. ACGC's newly restored building now aligns with the quality of its services and provides a more comfortable and welcoming space for staff and families.” - Anonymous 

 ACGC Volunteer of the Year: Micki Pickering, Hoot Auction 

“Her enthusiasm and leadership especially during Austin Originals was a lifesaver. Micki has an incredibly warm and personable soul that has encouraged those at ACGC and community members to do their best and is dedicated to ACGC's mission of increasing access to quality mental health care services for kids and families in Central Texas. With her energy, creativity, and remarkable leadership, she has helped ACGC create impactful and meaningful memories for families, donors, and community partners through her work and volunteerism.” - Anonymous 

ACGC Partner of the Year: The Diamond Room 

“The Diamond Room has been an amazing partner of ACGC and advocate for children's mental health. Their leadership and support in various activities and committees, especially during Austin Originals, has been invaluable and deeply appreciated as ACGC transitioned back to in-person services and activities in the community this past year.” - Anonymous