Gay and Lesbian
Adolescent Social Services founder to be honored

Teresa DeCrescenzo of Los Angeles will receive the prestigious Lewis Hine Award from the National Child Labor Committee on January 29 in New York City.

DeCrescenzo is the founder and executive director of Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Services. She is being honored for her work with LGBT youth and her fight for civil rights protections in the foster care system. DeCrescenzo opened the first not-for-profit child welfare agency for LGBT youth in 1984. Today, GLASS has six residential facilities and three foster family agencies and provides outreach and educational services.

DeCrescenzo's advocacy on behalf of LGBT families helped pass the Foster Care Non-Discrimination Act in California in 2004 and has helped GLASS become established as a model for other agencies working with non-LGBT foster youth.

The Lewis Hine Award is given to 10 men and women selected from hundreds of submissions. Each honoree receives $1,000 and a trip to the awards ceremony in New York City with a guest. (The Advocate)