mcocy: OCY NEWSROOM

Montgomery County, PA

P.O. Box 311, Norristown, PA 19404-0311
Courthouse Hours: 8:30a.m. to 4:15p.m.
Phone: 610-278-3000
Website: www.montcopa.org

OCY NEWSROOM

January 9, 2012 – During the first meeting of the new year, Office of Children & Youth’s Citizens Advisory Committee Chairman, Peggy Gilbey-McMackin, recognized the hard work and significant effort of Emily Kelly, Pottsgrove Middle School student, for her donation of “Birthday Bags” to the Office of Children & Youth.  “We are extremely impressed by your efforts and generosity,” stated Ms. Gilbey-McMackin “most children your age are not thinking about others or making such a significant contribution.”  The entire Committee applauded Emily’s efforts as Chairman Gilbey-McMackin and Children & Youth Director, Laurie O’Connor, presented Emily with a certificate of appreciation.  Emily was accompanied by her mother, Kimberly Kelly and grandmother, Dottie Kelly.  The birthday bags included cake mix, icing, candles, plastic ware, table cloth, plates and cups and were distributed to needy children and their families in order to make a child’s birthday a special event. Click here for photo.

December 31, 2011 – The staff of and the children and families served by the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all the individuals, families, businesses, groups and corporations that supported our children and families over the holidays.  Thanks to your generosity, children and families with our office had a much brighter holiday season.  Thank you for your Gift Card donations that supported the individual hopes and dreams of children throughout Montgomery County.  Thanks also to those of you who provided toys, books, hats, gloves, scarves, and mittens for children during the holidays!  The Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth supports nearly 2,000 children daily in foster care or in their own homes.  Please continue to support our Annual Holiday Gift Card Drive.  It makes a significance difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.


December 14, 2011 – Emily Kelly, Pottsgrove Middle School student, donated “Birthday Bags” to the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth this date.  Emily is only 14 years old, but has the knowledge and understanding of someone much older than that.  It occurred to Emily that not every child might have their birthday celebrated.  This thought concerned Emily and she decided to do something about it.  She saved her allowance and her own birthday money to create “Birthday Bags” for needy children.  “It is basically a birthday party in a bag,” said Emily.  Each brightly colored gift bag contained a gift for a child along with the supplies to have a birthday party.  These supplies included cake mix, icing, candles, plastic ware, table cloth, plates and cups.  When the child’s family receives the bag, they have everything they need to provide the child with a special day.  Thanks Emily!  You are an outstanding example in our community! Click here for photo.


December 11, 2011 – The Montgomery County Foster Parent Association hosted a “Lunch with Santa” event at the Plymouth Fire Hall in Conshocken for Montgomery County foster children!  The event was a big success and kids and families enjoyed food, fun, presents, and time with Santa!  To learn more about becoming a foster parent, please contact Foster Care Supervisor, Kathleen Sullivan or Foster Parent Recruiter, Bill Carroll at (610) 278-5800.

December 10, 2011 – SuperKIDS of Montgomery County, Inc. held its First Annual Holiday Luncheon Fundraiser at Outback Steakhouse in Conshohocken.  The event was held to support abused and neglected children during the holiday season.  Gift Cards were donated by luncheon guests who also participated in raffles and silent auction activities to raise money in support of the children.  Event sponsors included:  Outback Steakhouse, Southwest Airlines, Kremp Florist, Massage Envy, It’s a Piece of Cake, Paul & Paige Dicker and Kiddie Academy of Horsham.  We could not have had a successful fundraiser without your support.  Special thanks goes to event organizer and SuperKIDS Board Member, Dawn Batman and all who attended the luncheon in support of abused and neglected children!   Click here for photos.


December 6, 2011 – Montgomery County employees celebrated “Holidays Around the World” this date in our Human Services Center.  Department displays included a diverse display of family traditions, ethnic foods, cultural information, family recipes, and much more.  The Office of Children & Youth’s display entitled “Christmas in July – Send a Child to Summer Camp” was a festive beach display highlighting the traditions of a Christmas in July celebration with emphasis on making a donation to Camp Rainbow and supporting needy children in constructive summer camp programs for summer 2012.  Summer Santa, traditional Santa and Mrs. Claus were all on hand to pose for pictures with event participants!  Children & Youth staff had summer treats including hot dogs, potato salad, chips, pretzels and candy for all those attending.  Special thanks to OCY Administrative Assistant, Suzanne Mountney, who coordinated the event for OCY and to all the staff members who contributed their time and talents to the event.  Click here for photos.


December 2, 2011 – SuperKIDS of Montgomery County, Inc. sponsored the 12th Annual trip to Hershey Park’s Candylane for our OCY children.  The children and chaperones had a wonderful and exciting day filled with holiday rides, lights and festivities at Hershey Park!  Everyone who attended had a wonderful time!  Special thanks to Mrs. Clause (Children & Youth Staff Person, Pamela Martin) for organizing the event and to SuperKIDS of Montgomery County, Inc. for providing this opportunity for our children.

November 18, 2011 – Thanks to McNeil Johnson & Johnson in Fort Washington, PA for providing a generous donation of large Thanksgiving food baskets for families in need known to the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth.  Baskets included non-perishable food items, dry goods, linens, small toys, books and grocery store gift certificates for purchase of a Thanksgiving turkey.  Our sincere thanks and appreciation goes out to Diane Cavello at McNeil who organized this event, as well as to the staff at McNeil for their years of dedication and support for families receiving services from the Office of Children & Youth.  Thanks also goes out to Andrew Orr, OCY Supervisor, who has organized the distribution process of the baskets to families served by our office for years.  Thanks Andy!


November 21, 2011 - The Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth hosted its 7th Annual Adoption Match Event in the Human Services Center to celebrate November as National Adoption Month.  The Match Event, coordinated by Children & Youth Staff member, Pamela Martin, was held as an opportunity for adoptive families to learn more about children in our area who are awaiting adoption, to speak to the caseworkers of the children, and to obtain information about the adoption process.  It is also an opportunity for caseworkers to learn more about perspective adoptive families.  Both public and private child welfare and adoption agencies were represented at the event providing information related to children awaiting adoption and detailed information regarding the adoption process.  Special thanks to the Match Event participants who contributed so much to this event highlighting the important issue of adoption.  Click here for photos.
 

November 10, 2011 - The Montgomery County Commissioners proclaimed November as Adoption Month in Montgomery County.  Adoption Month is designed to increase awareness for children in need of adoptive families right here in our community and to recognize those individuals who have lovingly provided a permanent home for a child in need.  On hand to receive the Adoption Month Proclamation issued by the Commissioners were Montgomery County adoptive parents:  Tara Kresge, Jennifer Laubach and Karen & Bob Moyer, as well as, Children & Youth Director, Laurie O’Connor and Children & Youth Adoption Supervisor, Laura Bauer.  Click here for photos.


November 1, 2011 – The Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth kicked off Team Decision Making (TDM) this date.  TDM is a structured process that Montgomery County staff is undertaking to engage individuals within the family, community, and agency at designated intervals related to placement practices to aid in concrete planning and decision making for children.  TDM is a strengths-based practice which emphasizes parents as our partners and focuses on strengths of the parents and community.  The goal of Team Decision Making is to make placement related decisions in the least intrusive, least restrictive manner by involving birth parents, community members, resource families, service providers and agency staff.  TDM meetings will be lead by an agency facilitator and will be attended by the key people in the child’s life.  Children & Youth staff members have been integral in the development and implementation of this exciting family engagement/decision making process.  Thanks to all the staff for their hard work and effort in preparing us to begin this exciting new process.


October 30, 2011 - Biker’s Against Child Abuse (BACA) sponsored fifty (50) foster children at the Freddy Hill Farms Fall Fest this year.  The children were thrilled to have the opportunity to pick pumpkins, experience the hay ride, explore the corn maze and slide, watch the pig races, complete arts and crafts activities, and enjoy lunch.  BACA covered all expenses for the children who enjoyed a great day of fun and excitement.  Thanks again BACA!!!


October 9, 2011 – The Montgomery County Foster Parent Association hosted the annual Adoption and Foster Care Picnic this date at Souderton Borough Park.  Children and families enjoyed a beautiful day of fun games and activities, arts and crafts and delicious picnic food.  The event was co-sponsored by the generous staff of Gemalto, Montgomeryville, PA who assisted with all the food and special activities.  Special guests, Biker’s Against Child Abuse (BACA) arrived at the picnic as scheduled to support abused and neglected children in Montgomery County with Holiday Gift Cards to ensure brighter holidays for all the children!  Thanks to the Montgomery County Foster Parent Association, Gemalto and BACA for supporting all the children known to the Office of Children & Youth!  Click here for photos.


October 5, 2011 – Following years of collaborative planning and development, the Children & Youth Mobility Pilot Group began mapping the business process of our organization with Altruit (our software developer) for hand-held computer devices developed by Motorola.  This exciting step comes following three years of collaboration between Montgomery County, the University of Pennsylvania Field Center, the Stewards of Change, Microsoft Corporation and Motorola.  The goal of these efforts has been to develop a first of its kind web-based information system that allows direct service casework staff to best support children and families.  This new technology affords caseworkers the ability to carry specially designed hand-held technological devices that provide immediate, remote access to files and documentation, as well as, provide the ability for a caseworker to take and upload photo or video documentation of a child or home situation, track home and placement visits, and/or call for assistance.  The intended result is for improved information accessibility, increased productivity, coordinated provision of services, and increased safety for child welfare workers.  This is an exciting step in our Mobility Project!  Congratulations to our Chief Information Officer, Frank DiDomizio, and the entire Mobility Pilot Group!


October 4, 2011 - Thirteen (13) Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth employees reached milestone service anniversary dates with the County and were recognized by the Montgomery County Commissioners at a breakfast held at the Courthouse.  Commissioners James R. Matthews, Chairman, Joseph M. Hoeffel, Vice-Chairman and Bruce L. Castor were on hand to honor employees and to hand out service pins to those who have served the County for ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five, thirty and thirty-five years.  The following Children & Youth employees were recognized:


10 Years of Service     15 Years of Service   20 Years of Service 
Valerie Bason
Holly Judge 
Marian DeFoe
Letha Kaminski
Jerrold Summers
Peter Spengeman
 Suzanne Kemel-Maida 
 
 Tracy Kyttle (DRO/OCY)  
Dana Meyer
 
 

Stephen Polonsky 
 
 

Matthew Shetzline
 
 

Jacquelynn Wilson
 
 


August 23, 2011 - Coordinator Melissa Barrett and the parishioners of St. Titus parish collected and donated backpacks and school supplies for children with the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth.  During these difficult economic times, the Office of Children & Youth is assisting more families than ever with basic needs, so every donation helps.  St Titus Parish has been supporting abused and neglected children in our community for many years and we are very grateful for their continued generosity.  Thank you St Titus Parish!


August 22, 2011 – Donna Cruz with the Mom’s Club of Norriton organized a backpack and school supply drive for needy children with the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth.  We are extremely appreciative of the donation that the Mom’s Club of Norriton provided to our office.  We have over 300 hundred children in foster care and close to 2,000 children being served in their own homes and many, if not most, need assistance in obtaining necessary school supplies for the starting school year.  The supplies go a long way in helping a child hold their head up high at back-to-school time.  Today’s onus on parents to provide notebooks, pens, pencils, glue, crayons, markers, etc. can be an overwhelming burden for some and arriving without the needed supplies can cause a child to feel unequal with his or her peers.  Thanks Mom’s Club of Norriton!


August 15, 2011 – Staff at SDI Health in Plymouth Meeting, PA donated school supplies to the Office of Children & Youth to support needy children in our community.  The donation will go a long way in assuring that our children have the necessary school supplies when they return to school this fall.  “Being prepared and ready with the tools you need, puts you in the best position to learn,” remarked staff from SDI, “we are happy to help children in need in our area.”  Thank you!


August 12, 2011 - Special thanks to Performance Controls, Inc. of Montgomeryville, PA who presented SuperKIDS of Montgomery County, Inc. with checks totaling $2,500.00.  SuperKIDS supports the educational and enrichment needs of abused and neglected children in Montgomery County and the money provided by Performance Controls and their parent company, Hitachi, will all go to support our most vulnerable children.  Performance Controls has a team devoted to community enrichment and this is the forth year that they have selected SuperKIDS of Montgomery County, Inc. as a worthwhile recipient of funding for the educational and enrichment support they provide to children.  Thank you Performance Controls, Inc and Hitachi! Click here for photos.

 

August 10, 2011 - The Office of Children & Youth was a recipient again this year of the North Penn United Way’s Stuff the Bus Program.  The North Penn United Way provided the Office of Children & Youth with eighty (80) backpacks loaded with school supplies for abused and neglected children!  Caseworkers from Children & Youth delivered the backpacks to the children on their caseloads whose families lacked the necessary resources to purchase school supplies on their own.  Thank you Betsy Roush, Volunteer Coordinator, and thank you North Penn United Way!

 

August 8, 2011 - SuperKIDS of Montgomery County, Inc. held the 16th Annual SuperKIDS Golf Classic at Lederach Golf Club.  Golfers had an excellent day of golf which included prizes, food, fun and an exciting putt-off all for charity.  The Golf Classic is held each year to raise money for abused, neglected and abandoned kids in our community.  Thanks to the efforts of the SuperKIDS organization and the golfers and sponsors who supported the event, needy children in our area will be able to participate in art, music and dance lessons, attend summer enrichment programs, or even attend college or vocational programs – things they would not be able to do without the support of SuperKIDS.  Thank you to all who participated in the event or supported and sponsored the event in any way!  Click here for photos.  To make a donation to SuperKIDS, please send your tax deductible donation to:  SuperKIDS of Montgomery County, Inc, P.O. Box 1472, Blue Bell, PA 19422 or visit them on-line at www.superkidsofmontco.org   Thank you!


July 25, 2011 – A Public Hearing was held this date to review the annual Needs Based Plan and Budget for Child Welfare Services in Montgomery County.  Children & Youth Director, Laurie O’Connor, and Chief Juvenile Probation Officer, Steve Custer were on hand to provide an overview of the 2012-2013 Plan and Budget and answer any questions related to Child Welfare Services in Montgomery County.  Montgomery County has contained costs and provided services in a fiscally responsible fashion.  For a full report, please contact the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth.

July 15, 2011 – Office of Children & Youth staff members recognized Dr. Peter P. Syre, Jr., Ed.D. during a retirement breakfast held in his honor this date.  Children & Youth Director, Laurie O’Connor, provided comments and reflected over Dr. Syre’s thirty-one (31) year tenure with our office.  Dr. Syre provided professional services to the Office of Children & Youth assessing and supporting client families, foster parents, children and staff since 1980.  Staff members took turns relating personal stores involving Dr. Syre and then presented him with a handsome watch.  Thank you, Dr. Syre, for your decades of service to the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth!  Click here for photos.

June 18, 2011 – SuperKIDS of Montgomery County, Inc partnered this date with Atlantic Books in the Montgomery Mall for a one-day fundraiser.  SuperKIDS members promoted Atlantic Books and Atlantic Books donated 10% of their proceeds that day to SuperKIDS.  “It is a win-win situation”, commented George Carnell, Treasurer of SuperKIDS, “SuperKIDS supports educational goals of abused and neglected children throughout our community and Atlantic Books promotes education through their book sales”.   Together the two organizations encouraged parents and children alike to buy and read books for their own benefit and on this day as a benefit to abused and neglected children in our community as well.  Patrons of the book store commented that they were happy that their purchases were also supporting a worthy cause.  If you want to support SuperKIDS, tax deductible donations can be sent to SuperKIDS of Montgomery County, Inc., P.O. Box 1472, Blue Bell, PA 19422.  To learn more about SuperKIDS, visit their website at www.superkidsofmontco.org

June 17, 2011 – The very first annual Tom Ward Scholarship was presented by SuperKIDS of Montgomery County, Inc. this date to Kutztown University student and Children & Youth foster child, Debra Massey.  Miss Massey came into the care and custody of the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth in 2007 at the age of 16 because her father and step-mother were unable to provide for her.  With the support of her kinship foster parents, the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth, and SuperKIDS of Montgomery County, Inc., Miss Massey is achieving her goals.  She attends Kutztown University where she is preparing to be a Social Worker.  Miss Massey’s goal is to obtain both her Bachelor’s of Social Work degree and her Master of Social Work degree because she is committed to helping others.  “Miss Massey was a clear choice for the first Tom Ward Scholarship,” remarked SuperKIDS Chairman, Gary Wolfe.  “She is a dedicated, committed student who is very deserving of this scholarship award.  Her commitment to education and her desire to give back to others in her career exemplifies the type of young person that Tom Ward and the SuperKIDS organization want to support.”   The Tom Ward Scholarship was established by the Board of Directors of SuperKIDS of Montgomery County, Inc. to assist a young adult known to the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth who has attained a high school diploma or GED and who is pursuing personal growth through post-secondary training, education, college, vocational school, or similar program.  SuperKIDS Board Members felt it was important to establish a formal and lasting way to recognize Mr. Ward’s steadfast commitment to young people.  Click here for photos.

June 3, 2011 – Two outstanding young people, Ellen Carney and Megan Watson, Seniors at Abington Friends School, used their graduation party this year as a benefit to raise money for SuperKIDS of Montgomery County, Inc.  The two students planned, organized and hosted the Second Annual “Super Teens for SuperKIDS benefit dance at the Fort Washington Holiday Inn.  In lieu of gifts, donations were made to SuperKIDS and the young women raised over $3,000 for this worthwhile charity!  SuperKIDS is a non-profit charitable organization that provides educational and cultural enrichment opportunities for abused, neglected and abandoned children.  Ellen will be attending The College of Charleston and Megan will be attending The University of Delaware this fall.  Good luck to you both and THANK YOU from the SuperKIDS organization and the children and families served by SuperKIDS and the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth.   Click here for photo.

April 27, 2011 – Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth employees participated in the Active for Life Program.  Mary Jo Donaldson is the team leader for Children & Youth.  This 10-week program encourages employees to be more active on a regular basis by setting individual goals and forming teams for motivation and support.  Participants set goals based on activity and fitness levels.  Participants receive points for daily activity and record the number of points they earn toward their total point goal. This friendly competition is a fun way to work fitness into your daily routine.  Good luck team members and good health to all!!!  Click here for photo.

April 4, 2011 - The 2010 Annual Report for the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth was presented to the agency’s Citizens Advisory Committee.  The report was presented by Michele Kristofco, Children & Youth Community Relations Administrator.  To review the report in its entirety Click Here.   The Office of Children & Youth continues to keep safety of children as top priority, but much focus throughout 2010 was on family engagement, structured safety assessments and strengths-based permanency practices that indentify natural family resources and strengths while addressing concerns related to child abuse and neglect.  Also unveiled during the Annual Report were the agency’s new Vision and Mission statements and the agency’s new Logo.

April 1, 2011 - The Citizens Advisory Committee of the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth recognized April as Child Abuse Prevention Month by hosting a Legislative Open House and Breakfast this date.  Citizens Advisory Committee Chair, Peggy Gilbey McMackin, provided opening remarks.  Montgomery County Commissioner Vice-Chairman, Joseph M. Hoeffel, was on hand to provide remarks and to present Director Laurie O’Connor with a formal Proclamation for April - Child Abuse Prevention Month.  The Honorable Wendy Demchick-Alloy, the Honorable Paul W. Tressler, and Youth Ambassador, Christopher Nobles also provided remarks and comments to commemorate the event.  The event was attended by local Legislators, Judges, District Justices, Police, School Personnel, Counselors, Nurses, Social Workers and Community Representatives.  Children & Youth staff presented information about the function, duties and responsibilities of the Office of Children & Youth with informative displays and interactive presentations.  Click here for photos.

March 1 - 31, 2011 – Officials of the South East Regional Office of Children, Youth & Families conducted their annual inspection of the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth.  A full and thorough review was conducted during the month of March and the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth was found to be in compliance with all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations.  A full certificate of compliance was issued to the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth by the Department of Public Welfare.  Earlier in the year, the Montgomery Office of Children & Youth was found to be in compliance with applicable Federal and State Civil Rights regulations in regard to the delivery of human services.  The agency prioritizes conformity with all applicable Child Welfare laws, regulations and requirements in delivery of services to County residents.

February 17, 2011 - Bette Sorrento, Area Coordinator of the Montgomery County, PA Chapter of the “Binky Patrol”, coordinated efforts of her volunteer seamstresses and provided dozens of hand-made blankets to the Office of Children & Youth.  Children & Youth Caseworkers distributed the blankets to needy children throughout our community.  Ms. Sorrento realizes that children coming into the care and custody of the Office of Children & Youth may need a comfort item while they are transitioning to a temporary foster home.  Ms. Sorrento makes sure that there is a blanket for every boy, girl, infant, toddler, tween or teen.  Thanks Bette for your efforts and the efforts of all the “Binky Patrol” members.  You are making a difference in the lives of children in our community!

 

January 28, 2011 – At our first full staff meeting for 2011, Office of Children & Youth Director, Laurie O’Connor, reflected on the excellent work, accomplishments, and achievements of staff during 2010.  As is customary, the specific achievements of individuals in five categories were highlighted and recognized during the meeting.  These five staff members, who were nominated by their peers, excelled in particular areas of achievement during 2010.  Congratulations!  The award winners for 2010 are as follows:

Commitment to Excellence                       Kathleen Cressman

Most Valuable Person                                 Holly Judge

Distinguished New Employee                   Contina Mayo

Distinguished Veteran Employee             Elaine Black

            Commitment to Volunteerism                  Suzanne Mountney

January 4, 2011 – Methacton High School Senior, Chrissy Smith, made a wonderful donation to the Office of Children & Youth today.  For her Senior Project, Chrissy organized a school and community campaign to collect children’s pajamas and children’s books for our abused and neglected children.  Chrissy got the word out to her classmates and the community and she established drop boxes for the items at the schools and throughout the neighborhood.  Chrissy collected over 230 pairs of brand new pajamas and over 300 new children’s books along with an assortment of Snuggies and sweatshirts.  We are so grateful for your support Chrissy!  Thanks to your efforts, many, many children have been helped!   Click here for photos.

 

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