JWYC Staff from left to right: Russ Lambing, Lauren Dickinson, Lisa Snyder, Lindsey Jones, and Justin Smyers
On July 3, 2018, JWYC President, Dan Heit, hosted a luncheon in honor of staff at JWYC-Indiana for being recognized by The Pennsylvania Older Youth Retreat Steering Committee as the recipient of The Older Youth Services Agency of the Year Award. Pictured from left to Right: President Dan Heit, Lindsey Jones, Russ Lambing, Lisa Snyder, Lauren Dickinson and Justin Smyers
(Letter to Independent Living Specialist, Lindsey Jones, received from Lisa Kessler, Statewide Resource Specialist, University of Pittsburgh, School of Social Work).
Dear Lindsey:
Congratulations! On behalf of the Pennsylvania Older Youth Retreat Steering Committee, I am honored to inform you that JusticeWorks YouthCare of Indiana County has been selected as the recipient of the 7th Annual Older Youth Services Agency of the Year Award. Your agency was nominated by youth and alumni who have received services from your agency. The nomination highlights the agency’s efforts to go above and beyond for youth, assisting them in identifying and working toward their goals, and for positively impacting the lives of the youth you serve.
The Older Youth Retreat Steering Committee is comprised of youth and alumni of the child welfare system who plan an annual retreat at the University of Pittsburgh’s Johnstown Campus. The retreat is a week-long experience where youth ages 16-21, from Pennsylvania’s foster care system, have an opportunity to network with their peers. The Retreat Steering Committee felt it was important to acknowledge an agency providing services that positively impact the lives of older youth who are currently in or have aged out of the foster care system in Pennsylvania. Your agency’s commitment to helping youth successfully transition into adulthood has been acknowledged by the youth you serve.
We would like to invite you or your representative to receive this award during the Older Youth Retreat Banquet on Thursday, August 9, 2018 at the University of Pittsburgh’s Johnstown Campus, Living Learning Center.
Sincerely,
Lisa Kessler
What is especially notable is that the award came from the positive feedback of the youth we have served. Congratulations to our Independent Living Team – Lindsey Jones, Lisa Snyder, Justin Smyers, Russell Lambing, Lauren Dickinson and of course our Indiana Children and Youth partners, April Bogdanski, Kim Broadbent, Brad Beers, and Holly Moyer-George. Your excellent work with youth in transition to adulthood and dedication to the JWYC Mission is reflected in this award!