Agency recognized for foster care commitment

MILAN — Liberty Mutual Insurance recently awarded Westcott Insurance in Milan with a 2026 Make More Happen Award for its dedication to supporting children entering foster care and kinship placements through its partnership with InVest in Youth. Initially, Westcott Insurance received a $5,000 donation through the Liberty Mutual 2026 Make More Happen Awards program for its partnership with InVest in Youth. After the story was featured on the official Make More Happen microsite, the community rallied with more than 750 votes and comments, triggering a matching donation and bringing the total to $10,000. The additional funding will help InVest in Youth expand support groups, community events and its annual Christmas party, providing critical resources and meaningful experiences for children and families navigating foster care and kinship placements. Founded in 2021, InVest in Youth was created to provide immediate support to families when children transition into foster or kinship homes. The organization helps meet urgent needs by providing clothing, essential items, community support and opportunities that help children feel valued and cared for during times of significant change and uncertainty. The mission is deeply personal for Westcott Insurance owner Jeff Westcott. As a foster parent for nearly 15 years, Jeff and his wife, Julie, welcomed more than 40 children into their home and permanently adopted or gained custody of six. "After witnessing firsthand the physical and emotional challenges faced by vulnerable children and their families, Jeff helped found InVest in Youth to ensure children entering care receive the support, dignity and stability they deserve," according to an organizational statement. Jeff and Julie volunteer 20 to 30 hours each week supporting InVest in Youth through family meetings, laundry services, support groups and community events, including Christmas parties and spring picnics. Westcott Insurance employees contribute throughout the year by donating gently used clothing, toys and other essential items, while agency customers have also stepped forward to support the organization through donations. One of the organization's most impactful programs is its clothing shop in which children entering foster care can select their own clothing. Westcott Insurance volunteers help collect, organize and display donated items while assisting children as they shop for clothes that help them feel confident and comfortable. "The most memorable experience is watching teenagers who have just been through a major trauma try on clothing and get excited about their new pair of expensive Nike shoes or brand-name clothes," Jeff said. "Moments like those remind us how important it is to help children feel seen, valued and cared for." For the Westcott Insurance team, supporting InVest in Youth means helping children find stability and hope during some of the most challenging moments of their lives while strengthening the network of support available to foster and kinship families throughout the community. "Recognizing independent agents' dedication to their communities and nonprofit partners is what the Make More Happen Awards are all about," said Jeffrey McBride, senior territory manager for Liberty Mutual Insurance. Westcott Insurance's "commitment to InVest in Youth demonstrates the meaningful difference local businesses can make in supporting children and families facing difficult transitions." Throughout 2026, Liberty Mutual Insurance will select up to 36 independent agencies nationwide for a Make More Happen Award, donating up to $360,000 to nonprofits they support. Agencies become eligible for the award by submitting applications that highlight their commitment to a specific cause.