The YWCA Northcentral PA celebrated the dedication and commitment of its volunteers and employees at their annual meeting and awards luncheon, held Sept. 24 at the Pennsylvania College of Technology Professional Development Center.
"The issues we deal with daily are literally saving lives," Diane Glenwright, YWCA executive director, said of the gathered volunteers, board members, staff and partner agencies.
Awards presented highlighted the gifts and talents of the "Unsung Heroes" of each YWCA program, the individual and corporation who exemplified racial justice and the YWCA employee and volunteer of the year. Glenwright remarked on the positive attributes of those working within the YWCA.
"The ceremony reaffirms the quality of individuals that assist us with our mission," she said. "We are blessed and awed by these people."
The honors are as follows.
Unsung Hero: Awarded to one person within each program who demonstrates a superior commitment to our mission.
Court Appointed Special Advocate: Judy Brague-Deacon, for her many years of dedication to the YWCA and abused and neglected children in the court system.
Liberty House: Savonna Reagan for her selflessness and tireless commitment to the homeless women and children of Liberty House.
Wise Options: Police Chief Richard Sutton for years of support to the Wise Options program and his commitment to the newly launched Lethality Assessment Program and in bringing Telling Amy's Story (an in-depth analysis of a domestic violence murder in State College) to our area.
Racial Justice awards: Presented to the individual and corporation who go above and beyond, dedicating hours and support to enhance harmony and justice in our community.
Individual award: Beth McMahon for working closely with the YWCA's women's shelters and helping to develop measurable outcomes for programming and strengthening the YWCA's community partnerships such as Favors Forward and Partners to Promise.
Corporate award: Lycoming County Pre-Release center, accepted by Tim Mahoney and Karla Hanner. The YWCA has received countless man-hours of work through the program which helps rehabilitate a diverse, successful workforce.
Blanche Smink Volunteer of the Year: Brian Brooking received the honor for his tireless commitment as the only male member of the Wise Options Advisory Committee and multiple fundraising and volunteer campaigns.
Employee of the Year: Geraldine Brooks, a Liberty House caseworker received the distinction of Employee of the Year for her constant commitment and personal sacrifice to the residents and mission of Liberty House.
