From a teacher working to create a positive environment for children from all kinds of backgrounds to a police department providing compassionate care to domestic violence victims to volunteers who throw themselves into their work, the YWCA awarded several individuals and organizations who are making a difference in the community at its annual luncheon Monday.
YWCA Board President Christine Lechien noted that through its dedicated staff and volunteers, the YWCA has used three core programs to serve the community this year:
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) has served 117 abused and neglected children by advocating for a safe and permanent home in the court system;
Liberty House has sheltered 96 women and children while helping them make the change toward self-sufficiency and permanent housing; and
Wise Options, a comprehensive center for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes, has served 1,316 people.
Diane Glenwright, executive director, said the YWCA's accomplishments can be traced back to employees such as Kim Ramin, YWCA controller, who was chosen as YWCA Employee of the Year.
Ramin was hired in 2005 and has championed the YWCA in the community ever since, Glenwright said.
Ramin said he is proud to serve an organization providing programs such as CASA, Liberty House and Wise Options.
"They respond to a need in the community," he said.
He urged the audience to "continue to support this wonderful cause and these wonderful programs, because they certainly deserve it."
The YWCA also honored volunteers Monica Turri and Barbara Wascher with the Blanche Smink Volunteer of the Year award.
Turri serves as chair of the Liberty House Advisory Board and is a member of the finance committee, audit committee and nominating committee.
"She participated in the recent capital campaign and regularly attends the "Chair.ity" events and other YWCA events to raise funds in support of the YWCA's important mission," Glenwright said.
Turri said she is grateful for the opportunity to serve the YWCA.
"I've gotten far more from the YWCA than I've ever contributed," she said.
Wascher, who has served two three-year terms on the YWCA board, recently was elected for a third term. Glenwright said Wascher's years of service have impacted the YWCA in many ways.
"Barb is a tireless member of the fundraising committee, the capital campaign committee, has served as board president, board secretary, chair of various committees and helped lead the YWCA on to focusing on the importance of its mission: eliminating racism and empowering women," she said.
Wascher said that over the years of service, she has enjoyed watching the YWCA evolve, especially with the addition of Glenwright as executive director.
"I think the YWCA has become the pillar of the community that it should be," she said.
This year's Unsung Hero Award was given to Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police, who Wise Options Director Deb Shivetts said has been "a shining example of what all our communities need."
The department always puts victims first, she said, noting that police officers provide victims with information on Wise Options and also provides Wise Options with reports.
"No other police department in this county does this," she said. "This department goes above and beyond."
Police Chief Martin Jeirles, who accepted the award on behalf of the department, said he's proud to lead a department that cares about the victims and not just the criminals.
"All too often ... the victim gets left out," he said.
Jeirles thanked Wise Options for the assistance it provides in helping victims to move on with their lives.
The Racial Justice Individual Award was given to Kirk Felix, principal at Stevens Elementary School. Felix volunteers as president of the Campbell Street Community Center Board of Directors, AYSO soccer coach, Relay for Life team member and member of the Little League World Series grounds crew.
"Kirk was nominated because of the difference in the way he has helped young people and the way he lives his life, day in and day out," Glenwright said. "He is committed to racial justice."
Felix, who has been principal for seven years, said he was fortunate to grow up in a supportive home and would like to provide a positive environment for children who do not have that advantage. He hopes to make a difference in the lives of children.
The Racial Justice Corporate Award was given to Uptown Music Collective, a nonprofit school of music with 120 students.
"The Uptown Music Collective was nominated because the collective incorporates education social justice into its work with young people, helping them to learn by example," Glenwright said. "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."
Dave Brumbaugh, the collective's executive director, said he enjoys helping his students branch out into new territory with music. Students are taught to appreciate all styles and genres.
"Music is a great metaphor for racial justice," he said. "All music has value ... and all people have value."
The YWCA also gave out an Inspiration Award this year, for only the second time in its history. The award was given to Larson Design Group for its guidance and assistance in the YWCA's renovations.
"We could not be making the progress we have in our facility renovations without your thoughtful and knowledgeable assistance and guidance," Glenwright told Larson CEO Keith Kuzio. "We are renovating our building so it can be used to meet our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women for years to come."
Kuzio said the firm is honored to help the YWCA re-purpose its building.
"Community stewardship is really important to us," he said.
The YWCA also presented Years of Service awards to Ramin, Kari Lechniak and Karen Hyden for five years; to Karen Nutter for 10 years; and to Allen Goodbrod for 20 years.
