2025 Heart & Hope Gala Awards

Recipient Announcement

NewPath presented its fifth annual Heart & Hope Awards , fourth annual Spark Award, and third annual Torch Award at the 2025 Heart & Hope Gala! This event recognized the volunteers, donors, and employees who go above and beyond to care for the clients we serve.

NewPath Child & Family Solutions hosted the 2025 Heart & Hope Gala – Building Hope on Thursday, October 16. It was an evening full of fun, storytelling, and celebration of our 2025 Heart, Hope, Spark, and Torch Award recipients. These awards recognize the volunteers, donors, foster parents, and team members who go above and beyond to care for the children and families we support.

“Join us as we BUILD HOPE and lay foundations for change to house the dreams of our youth.”

2025 Heart Award – Anna Marie Logan

The Heart Award is presented to a member of the “behind-the-scenes” staff. Many of the children and families we support may never interact with these individuals. However, their passion and administrative support are truly at the heart of our organization.

Anna Marie Logan

Lead Workforce Development Coordinator

Anna Marie Logan has worked with NewPath for four years and currently holds the position of Lead Workforce Development Coordinator. She was drawn to NewPath not just by their mission but by the dedication of their team members. Anna Marie has always had a passion for teaching, first with young people in a traditional classroom setting and now with NewPath professionals. She feels the “behind-the-scenes” work of training and developing her fellow NewPath team members is the most rewarding part of her job.

“I take pride in helping set people up for success by providing tools, resources, skills, and the confidence they need to thrive alongside our clients. It feels full circle—when I see team members experience those “lightbulb” moments in the classroom and recognize the impact they’re making. I am honored to know I play a part in their journey.” – Anna Marie Logan

2025 Hope Award – Aretha Sims

The Hope Award is presented to a direct-care team member who truly ignites hope. By providing results from expert, specialized, and comprehensive trauma-informed care, these passionate individuals dedicate themselves to an industry that is challenging but meaningful.

Aretha Sims

Case Manager – Day Treatment, NewPath Academy

Aretha Sims has worked with NewPath for 26 years and currently holds the position of Case Manager – Day Treatment, NewPath Academy. She strives to be a constant source of support and empowerment for both her NewPath team and the clients she serves. Aretha wants everyone she encounters to know that someone cares about them and their voice matters.

“The most rewarding parts of working at NewPath are working with great staff and seeing the growth and the progress reports of previous clients who are now going to college, being successful in their jobs, aspirations and dreams. It is so fulfilling to reminisce with current and previous clients who speak on how they were impacted in a positive light.” – Aretha Sims

2025 Spark Award – Amanda Holbrook

NewPath’s mission is “Igniting Hope. Changing Futures.” But the hope we provide begins with a spark. That spark comes from your continuous investment, NewPath’s supporters. NewPath uses that spark to ignite hope in the hearts of children. One day, that spark will transform into a flame of change.

The Spark Award is presented to supporters who go above and beyond to invest in and grow NewPath’s mission. These dedicated volunteers, donors, and contributors truly help those who help others.

Amanda Holbrook

NewPath LEAD Board Chair

Amanda Holbrook became involved with NewPath in 2023, supporting NewPath’s students. Her company, IronRoad, is owned by a previous NewPath resident and current Board Member who often gives back through participating in events and service projects. She later met another former NewPath client through the company remodeling her home. That connection sparked more than a newfound friendship; it ignited a deep passion for NewPath and their services. Today, Amanda serves as the chair of NewPath’s Young Professional Board (or LEAD Board) and continues to make a difference for NewPath’s youth.

“I’m honored to serve on the LEAD Board, helping to raise support and volunteering alongside so many amazing people. It’s a privilege to be part of such a life-changing organization. I genuinely love spending time with the kids and planning events that bring joy, encouragement, and hope into their lives.” – Amanda Holbrook

2025 Torch Award – Betty & James Terrill

NewPath provides new horizons for children, teens, and young adults through various service lines. One way is with our Foster Care and Foster-to-Adopt programs. Foster parents provide a nurturing, stable home for children who need placement outside of their original living conditions. They are gifted with the opportunity to watch foster youth grow, recover, and thrive, forever being a part of their healing journey. 

The Torch Award is presented to foster parents who exceed their calling and serve as a guiding beacon to illuminate a path for their peers to follow. 

Betty & James Terrill

NewPath Foster Parents

Betty and James Terrill first started fostering with NewPath in 1982 and have had over 80 placements in their home. They first learned about becoming foster parents through their pastor, who was also fostering youth at the time. Betty and James believe that over the years, NewPath has provided them with numerous tools to help them maintain their faith. They are fortunate to have the opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life.

“Their [foster youth] place in this world is as important as anybody else’s. So anything that you can contribute to making them feel that way, I think is what makes a home, a HOME. I like to see the changes that we can make in their lives and introduce them to new things, or new ways of life. It’s always exciting to just be a part of their lives, so that they can see that there is a difference.” – Betty Terrill