Jimmy Wayne Honored For Foster Service Advocacy

Pictured (L-R): Pete Fisher (Grand Ole Opry GM), Rep. Mark White, Wayne, Senator Doug Overbey, Treasurer David Lillard. Photo: Chris Hollo

Jimmy Wayne was recently honored by Tennessee State Senator Doug Overbey, Representative Mark White and state Treasurer David H. Lillard, Jr., at the Grand Ole Opry with a congratulatory resolution for his advocacy work to extend foster care services to young adults.

Wayne, who spent years in North Carolina’s foster care system, recognized the difficulty young adults face in completing education, launching careers and finding independence. Wayne helped sway state legislators in both houses of the General Assembly to unanimously adopt a bill allowing adults between ages 18 and 21 to continue receiving foster care services.

The Treasury Department first worked with Wayne in 2010 for his Project Meet Me Halfway. The initiative helped bring awareness of individuals aging in the foster system.

“Jimmy Wayne has been a tireless advocate on behalf of young people in need of foster care, so it is fitting that he is being honored with this resolution,” Treasurer Lillard said. “This new law will provide security to a critical group of young people as they are making the transition from childhood to adulthood. Every Tennessean is proud of Mr. Wayne’s efforts.”