LUCY FOWLKES BREED
AWARD
Congratulations to Dr. Leo Sandy, our 2024
Lucy Fowlkes Breed Award Recipient!
Since 1998, the Family Connections Center (FCC) at the New Hampshire Department of Corrections has played a vital role in supporting incarcerated parents, helping them maintain meaningful relationships with their children. Not long after its establishment, in 2003, Dr. Leo Sandy began volunteering his time, bringing invaluable education and support to the parents served by the FCC.
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Initially, Dr. Sandy visited the Laconia prison monthly, providing in-person seminars focused on parenting and relationships. Over the years, he has consistently visited all three New Hampshire prisons, offering guidance and education to incarcerated parents. Even after retiring, Dr. Sandy’s dedication never wavered. He has embraced virtual platforms like Zoom to continue providing regular seminars, ensuring his message reaches parents, regardless of location.
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Dr. Sandy’s presentations focus on essential parenting skills, healthy relationships, and the importance of peacemakers in the world. Both FCC staff and the parents he serves deeply appreciate his commitment to recognizing incarcerated parents' roles in their children’s lives. His belief in the power of education as a tool for change resonates strongly, as he helps these parents strengthen their bonds with their children and prepare for their futures.
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Dr. Sandy’s ongoing contributions highlight the impact of one individual’s passion and dedication to making a difference in the lives of incarcerated parents and their families. His work continues to embody the FCC’s mission to strengthen family connections and support parents, no matter their circumstances.
Congratulations, Dr Leo, our 2024 Lucy Fowlkes Breed Award recipient!
Every year, New Hampshire Children’s Trust awards the Lucy Fowlkes Breed Award to an exceptional individual who has dedicated their time and efforts to strengthening families and communities across New Hampshire through volunteer work. Candidates will have volunteered in direct service to families at a New Hampshire organization that serves children or families. Volunteer work must have been done within the past two years. An in-person celebration took place and a monetary award was presented at the Strengthening Families Summit on Ocotber 29.​
Lucy Fowlkes Breed served as a founding trustee on the Board of NH Children's Trust, dedicating fourteen years as a board member, eight of those years as board chair. Knowing there was a need in the community, Lucy also founded and was the volunteer facilitator of the “New Moms” group at the Children’s Place and Parent Education Center—a Family Resource Center in Concord.
Previous Lucy Fowlkes Breed Awardees
2010: Tia Parr, Northfield, volunteer at the Children's Place and Parent Education Center
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2012: Josephine Bailey, Manchester, volunteer at Easter Seals
2014: Roger Kosits, Laconia, volunteer at the Autism Center at Lakes Region Community Services
2016: Joy Moody, Tilton, volunteer at the Greater Tilton Family Resource Center
2018: Heidi Matthews Cantin, Manchester, volunteer at YWCA NH
2019: Millie LaFontaine, Concord, volunteer at Friends Youth Mentoring Program
2020: Jocelynn Drew, Antrim, volunteer at the Avenue A Teen & Community Center
2021: Terri Clyde, Merrimack, volunteer at the Nashua Adult Learning Center
2022: Miranda Terry, Brookline, volunteer at Brookline School District PTO
2023: Cindy Brenner, Goffstown, volunteer at Foster and Adoptive Resource and Exchange
2024: Dr. Leo Sandy, Chesterfield, volunteer at the Family Connections Center at the NH Department of Corrections