Kay Wyrick

The Foster Adoptive Mission held a fundraiser in Danbury on October 29th to raise money for the Kay Wyrick Memorial Scholarship.  Tarrywile Mansion was the perfect place and the evening was beautiful and warm.  Folks who attended were treated to a fun evening.  Pampered Chef Consusltant, Julie Kozikowski, demonstrated kitchen equipment and prepared delicious food for folks to sample.  FAM received donations and orders to benefit the scholarship. This annual $1000 scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior who is a current or former foster or adopted youth of color and planning on a career working with children in the community. 

Kay Wyrick was born on May 18, 1923 and resided in Waterbury for many years. Mrs. Wyrick was a long time activist and volunteer on behalf of abused, neglected and pregnant youth. She surmounted overwhelming odds to become a role model for those who cared about others.  Mrs. Wyrick was a ward of the state from the age of 13 to the age of 21.  She was brought to Waterbury as a domestic caretaker.  Several years later, she decided to become a foster parent. Mrs. Wyrick and her husband nurtured over 75 young adults by helping them stay off the streets, develop good work habits and learn the value of money. She established a group home for girls. Mrs. Wyrick crusaded against racial injustice throughout her life. She was a lifetime member of the NAACP and fought to have Black History taught in local schools.  She encouraged children to get an education and pressed parents to be involved in their children's educational goals. She urged men to be fathers to their children and she encouraged adults to be role models to youth.

Over the course of 55 years of service, Mrs. Wyrick received numerous awards for her commitment to young people.  She was honored by the Waterbury Bar Association as the first recipient of the Liberty Award.  She was also honored by the NAACP as the first to receive the Region II Youth Advisor Award. She was one of the five people to earn the Connecticut Jefferson Award given to people who go above and beyond the call of duty volunteering in their community.  Mrs. Wyrick won the Hiram Hayden Award that recognizes those who have given their time and talent for the betterment of their fellow citizens.  She also received the Humanitarian Award by the Andersons Boys Club. In 1999, Mrs. Wyrick was honored as an outstanding parent for National Parents Day.  She was one of eleven people selected for the nationwide tribute that acknowledges parents who are working to keep children safe, healthy and drug free. Mrs. Wyrick was the founder of the PRIDE NAACP YOUTH CENTER located in Waterbury where she volunteered her time to disadvantaged youth.  On July 12, 2006, at the age of 83, Mrs. Wyrick passed away.

Because of her great impact on foster care in CT, the Foster Adoptive Mission chose to honor Mrs. Wyrick with a scholarship shortly after her death.   Anyone who is interested in foster care or adoption or who would like to make a donation in Kay Wyrick's memory should contact FAM. 

Foster Adoptive Mission (FAM), a federally funded, community collaborative, sponsors events throughout the year for all licensed foster and adoptive families residing in northwestern CT.  FAM’s mission is to find safe, nurturing homes for children in the CT foster care system and to provide support for currently licensed CT foster homes.  If you or a family member is interested in becoming a foster or adoptive family in Connecticut please contact FAM at www.fosteradoptivemission.org or 203-706-0101.