Take a look at the following letter forwarded to us by Renee Kresge from Lehigh County.
“Dear Ms. Kresge,
I am writing to compliment a member of your staff, Karen Votta, whom I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know over the past ten months. My daughter Megan, was referred for services by Lehigh County Children and Youth Services in October of last year. Her life had taken a considerable turn for the worse after she ran away from home the preceding year. Following an arrest for alcohol possession by a minor she was placed in foster care. When Karen became involved, it was her efforts that initiated contact with me and led to the eventual reconciliation for Megan, my son, and I.
Megan had become very withdrawn from her family; relying on relationships with drug users and similarly disaffected youths. She had stopped attending school and her entire world revolved around the “party”. Karen’s no nonsense approach with Megan was instrumental in helping me confront her misconceptions about life, family, school, and lead her back on course. By keeping her connected with Karen rather than just returning her to my home, Karen and I together were able to lead Megan to effect wholesale changes in her self perception. This was critical if we were going to help her understand her own value in order that she motivate herself to seek more than an “eeking out” of a meager existence.
Today Megan remains clean and sober. Although I expect there will be some hiccoughs along the way, she is certainly pointed in the right direction. She attends Parkland High School where she worked out a 3.5 grade average in the final four months of last year. She is enrolled in College Prep level classes, and wants to qualify for honors next year. Her academic drive has returned, and her sights are set on attending college for nursing.
I spent the better part of two years at the end of that proverbial rope; I had no idea how to get through to Megan and often felt my heart would break from the pain of watching her die. If not for JusticeWorks, and in particular Karen Votta, I don’t believe Megan would be doing well right now. Know that my family and I will be forever grateful for this intervention; JusticeWorks will always be remembered by us, and Karen Votta will always be loved for her dedication, professionalism, and downright good sense in dealing with Megan and my family. Please extend my heartfelt gratitude to your entire team and know that you have a truly remarkable and gifted employee in Karen.
Thank you and best regards,
Richard O’toole”
Thanks to Karen Votta, Lehigh County JusticeWorks for doing whatever it takes to achieve a positive outcome!