When Doug first became involved with Northeast Parent & Child Society in 2007, he never intended to become a mentor and foster parent. Doug never dreamed that he'd be a shoulder to cry on for an entire dorm of teenagers, or that he'd take two of them on a trip to Disneyworld.

An engineer at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (KAPL) with widespread community service commitments, Doug found himself increasingly drawn to helping young men find their way. He first mentored Matt, then living at Northeast's Children's Home.

When problems in Matt's life arise, Doug takes charge. He remembers helping Matt straighten out a problem with his first credit card. "Matt had not made payments for two months," Doug recalls. "I explained how credit works and that not paying would damage his credit. I also took him to the bank to reverse the charges."

Doug and Matt continue to spend time together twice a week. Matt is now 19, lives on his own and works in a maintenance department. "Whenever he needs guidance, and on special occasions like his birthday and Christmas, I'm always here for Matt," Doug says.

When Doug met Matt, he also connected with Matt's former roommate Dan. As Dan's need for a stable family increased, Doug stepped up to become his foster parent. Doug's concern for Dan helped steer the young man, now 14, in the right direction.

"I saw Dan beginning to hang out with the wrong crowd, including kids who have been caught stealing," said Doug. "I spoke with Dan very directly, and we haven't had a problem since."

Previously struggling at home and in school, Dan is now an accomplished student, a wrestling team star and a proud member of his football team. "Dan has the tools he needs to become successful," says Doug. "He does well in school, and I believe he'll go to college."

In March, the KAPL NOVA Society recognized Doug with the prestigious Albert E. Kakretz Award for Community Service. Doug's remarkable dedication to Matt, Dan, and other youth at Northeast Parent & Child Society helped him earn the honor.