James A. Caffry Named 2025 Theresa Award Recipient
The Theresa Foundation is proud to announce that James A. Caffry, distinguished attorney and partner at Caffry & Keating PLLC, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Theresa Award. This annual award recognizes a National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) member who has demonstrated unwavering dedication to advocating for individuals with disabilities.
James “Jim” Caffry has spent almost two decades making a profound difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. As a leader in special needs law, Jim has worked tirelessly to advance the rights, opportunities, and resources available to this community. Jim’s contributions extend beyond his practice at Caffry & Keating; he has demonstrated a deep commitment to leadership and service with his involvement in the Vermont Bar Association as well as the Special Needs Alliance (SNA).
“Jim embodies the spirit of the Theresa Award,” said Elizabeth Einhart, Executive Director of the Theresa Foundation. “Through his exceptional expertise, leadership, and compassion, he has touched countless lives and inspired real change. His dedication to advocacy for individuals with special needs reflects the very values we aim to celebrate with this award.”
Over the years, Jim has served on numerous boards and initiatives in his home state of Vermont, prioritizing the voices of individuals with disabilities and ensuring programs address their unique needs. Among his accomplishments, Jim played key roles in the Vermont Development Services Payment Reform Advisory Committee, the Vermont Autism Task Force, and served on the Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council. His work exemplifies a deep commitment to strengthening the networks and systems that support families and individuals navigating the challenges of living with disabilities.
Vincent J. Russo, Treasurer of the Theresa Foundation, expressed the board's admiration for Jim’s contributions. “Jim’s dedication to improving the lives of others is remarkable,” Russo shared. “The Theresa Foundation is honored to recognize him for his tireless advocacy, his leadership on a national scale, and his unwavering vision for a more inclusive society. He represents the very best in what the legal profession can achieve when compassion and expertise come together.”
Jim’s work is not only professional but personal. Living in Waitsfield, Vermont, with his wife, Amy, and their three children, Jim brings his family values into his work, emphasizing the importance of community and understanding. “This recognition is humbling and a reflection of all the families, professionals, and advocates I’ve had the privilege to work alongside,” Jim noted. “Being part of their journeys is the real honor.”
The Theresa Award highlights extraordinary achievements that inspire positive action within the disability and elder law communities. It serves as a profound acknowledgment of those who selflessly contribute not only their legal expertise but also their hearts to the betterment of individuals impacted by disability.
Riverflow Community, North Ferrisburgh, VT
Jim was honored at the NAELA Annual Conference on May 9, 2025, in Bellevue, Washington. The Theresa Foundation is proud to donate $5,000 in Jim’s name to Riverflow Community. United by meaningful work, Riverflow Community members with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities form friendships, gain vocational skills, and pursue dignified, self-directed lives. To learn more, visit www.riverflowcommunity.org.
