The YWCA of Northcentral Pennsylvania will honor local individuals and groups whose work is paving the way for a better community with its annual luncheon and awards ceremony on Oct. 18. The five awards to be presented will pay homage to those who have worked in support of the YWCA's twofold mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, according to Diane Glenwright, YWCA executive director.
"What's really wonderful about these awards is we're honoring people who aren't self-promoting, who aren't in it for the glory ... who want to make Lycoming County a better place to live," Glenwright said. "They deserve the awards, and everyone's thanks."
Each year, the YWCA presents the Racial Justice Award to both an individual and an organization. Glenwright said the recipients of the awards are recognized for their work in breaking down the barriers of racism.
The nonprofit Uptown Music Collective will receive this year's Corporate Racial Justice Award. Glenwright said the Collective incorporates education about social justice into its work with young people, helping them to learn by example.
"They're very inclusive in everything that they do," she added.
The Collective's commitment to equality is reflected in its mission statement, which aims to foster a love of music and provide a form of expression for all students, "regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or economic status." The Collective also strives to form a community of music lovers, and its outreach programs allow students whose families can't afford lessons to experience quality musical education.
This year's individual Racial Justice Award recipient is Kirk Felix, principal of Stevens Elementary School. Glenwright said Felix's dedication to students has made the community a better place.
"He encourages students to be the best that they can be," she said.
Felix also serves as president of the board of directors of the Campbell Street Family, Youth and Community Association, also known as The Center. The Center aims to impact the lives of families in the Williamsport community by providing empowering programs and activities; teaching community members self-confidence; and offering programs that teach the importance of self-esteem and dignity.
Volunteers with the YWCA are honored each year with the Blanche Smink Volunteer award, which Glenwright said is meant for "outstanding volunteers who do a lot with a little."
Smink enjoyed working behind the scenes, and the YWCA looks for volunteers who don't take credit for their work when choosing recipients.
Two regular YWCA volunteers, Barbara Wascher and Monica Turri, will be honored this year. Wascher is a past president of the YWCA board of directors and remains a member of the board, while Turri volunteers with Liberty House - a housing program dedicated to helping homeless women and children reach self-sufficiency - and the finance committee.
Glenwright stressed the importance of volunteers in furthering the mission of the YWCA. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), a YWCA program providing child-centered advocacy in cases of maltreatment and abuse, is run by volunteers.
"CASA wouldn't exist without the volunteers," Glenwright said. "The YWCA wouldn't be the organization it is without the volunteers."
People such as Wascher and Turri, who lend their expertise on boards and committees, are an important part of the YWCA framework, she added, "They help us make the tough decisions, and be good stewards of what we're given."
The YWCA also will break out the rare Inspiration Award this year in honor of Larson Design Group. Glenwright met Larson officials at a United Way function, and CEO Keith Kuzio offered the corporation's services in aiding the YWCA with its capital campaign.
"We really could not have gone through the capital campaign without their assistance," she said.
Another organization using its powers for good is the Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police Department, which will receive the Unsung Hero Award.
"They go above and beyond," Glenwright said. "We're very impressed with their responsiveness and their concern for domestic violence victims."
Glenwright said she looks forward to the awards ceremony each year as a small way for the YWCA to give back to its contributors.
"The YWCA really is blessed with a lot of good people," she said. "We want to make sure everyone is recognized.
