Montgomery County, PA

December 23, 2005 – The Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth collected hundreds of donated new toys, clothes and gift items from various individuals, professionals, schools, and businesses throughout the area during the months of November and December.  These gift items were distributed by Children & Youth staff to needy children and families throughout Montgomery County who are served by the Office during the last two weeks of December.  According to event coordinator, Kathleen Sullivan… “This was our biggest year ever.”  “Thanks to a very generous community and hard work by Children & Youth staff, more gifts came in and were delivered to families in time for the holidays than have ever been in the past.”  Thanks to all who participated in any way for helping to make this holiday season a bright and happy one for children and families in need.

December 10, 2005 – The Montgomery County Foster Parent Association held their annual Holiday Party in Conshohocken for Montgomery County Foster Children .  Over 175 people were in attendance.  The children enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon of presents, games, food and entertainment.  Thank you to the Foster Parent Association and Children & Youth staff who made the event such a huge success.  Special thanks to the Foster Parent Association for the wonderful party and the following individuals and their families who spent many extra hours preparing:  Kathleen Sullivan and family, Peter Spengeman and son, Steve Polonsky and family, Fred Blankenburg and the Pine Cone People including Penny and Mary Kate, Heidi Ciano and family, Zenobia Parker, Kathy Thomas and family, Carol Godshall, Maria Catenacci, Paula DiSario and family, and Rebecca Weir and family.

December 9, 2005 – Five Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth employees received special recognition at the agency’s Holiday Lunch Social.  Staff members are recognized on an annual basis for outstanding achievement in five categories.  The 2005 winners are as follows:

   Commitment to Excellence                   Nadine Miller

   Most Valuable Person                             Kerry Greene
   Distinguished New Employee                Abigail Irwin
   Distinguished Veteran Employee         Joanne Cianciulli
   Commitment to Volunteerism              Kathleen Sullivan

November 29, 2005 – Twelve (12) Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth employees were among the two hundred employees recognized by the Montgomery County Commissioners for their years of service to the County at a luncheon held at Westover Country Club.  Commissioner James R. Matthews, Chairman; Commissioner Thomas Jay Ellis, Esq., and Commissioner Ruth S. Damsker were on hand to honor employees and to hand out service pins to employees who have served the County for ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five and thirty years.  The following Children & Youth employees were recognized:

November 22, 2005 - The Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth hosted its first Adoption Match Event in the Community Room of the Human Services Center.  The Match Event was held as an opportunity for adoptive families to learn more about the children in the area who are awaiting adoption, to speak to the caseworkers of the children, and to obtain information about the adoption process.  It was also an opportunity for caseworkers to learn more about perspective adoptive families.  In addition to Montgomery County Children & Youth staff, representatives from the following organizations were in attendance:  Bucks County Children & Youth, Lehigh County Children & Youth, Philadelphia Department of Human Services, Adoption Links JFS, Association of Puerto Ricans on the March, Bethanna, Bethany Christian Services, Bethany Christian Services of Central PA, Catholic Social Services Diocese of Philadelphia, Cobys Family Services, Concern, Delta Community Supports, Friends Association, Friendship House, Methodist Services for Children and Families, Pinebrook Services, Presbyterian Children's Village, Rejoice Inc., St. Joseph’s Center, and Welcome House Adoption Program.

November 15, 2005 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Montgomery County celebrated the 1^st Anniversary of their Independence 101 Housing Program at the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth.  Representatives from Big Brothers Big Sisters, including Board President, Michael Hall; Executive Director, Karen Forbes; Director of Fund Development, Justin Lee; and Case Manager, Yesenia Rosado, were on hand to present “Dream Maker” Awards to the agencies and community members that partnered together to make this housing program for youth aging out of the foster care system in Montgomery County a reality. 

 The Dream Maker Award Recipients are as follows:
            Department of Housing and Community Development
            Office of Behavioral Health
            Office of Children & Youth
            Montgomery County Housing Authority
            Office of Aging and Adult Services
            Office of Human Services
            Economic and Workforce Development
            Juvenile Law Center
            Mary P. Galbally and Associates

Special guests included two young adult participants of the program, Nicole Childs and Tykeia Pew, who provided moving first-hand accounts of how the Independence 101 Housing Program improved their lives and helped them, and continues to help them, fulfill their dreams of success and independence.

October 28, 2005 – The Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth honored foster parents at a 50’s themed banquet at Westover Country Club.  The event was coordinated by Children & Youth Foster Parent Unit Supervisor, Kathleen C. Sullivan.  110 foster parents and Children & Youth staff attended the event where foster parents were recognized for individual achievements including years of service, significant achievement and resourcefulness, and outstanding care and nurturance of abused and neglected children in Montgomery County.                                 

October 23, 2005 – Biker’s Against Child Abuse (BACA) held their 2^nd Annual Holiday Toy Run to benefit abused and neglected children in Montgomery County.  The event was organized by BACA Montgomery County Chapter President, Keith “Orangeman” Dungan, along with additional BACA representatives and Children & Youth staff.  Approximately 100 motorcyclists gathered in Skippack and rode together to the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth in Norristown, PA to deliver gifts for children served by the Office of Children & Youth.  Caseworkers from Children & Youth will distribute these gifts along with hundreds of other donated items to children and families who need them during the month of December.  Click here for pictures of the day's events.

October 25, 2005 – Office of Children & Youth staff participated in the 10^th Annual Spelling Bee sponsored by the Montgomery County Literacy Guild.  Montgomery County Commissioner Ruth S. Damsker judged the competition held at the Plymouth Meeting Mall.  Kathy Sullivan, Fred Blankenburg and Cathy Fulmer represented the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth and placed 4^th in the Bee.  Congratulations spellers!

October 21, 2005 – Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth foster parents, Charles & Judy Hallman, received the "President's Award" at the Pennsylvania State Foster Parent Association (PSFPA) Conference.  Pat Feaster, former PSFPA President, nominated Mr. & Mrs. Hallman for their long tenure as foster parents, their continual service to foster children, and their leadership roles with the local Montgomery County Foster Parent Association.  Mr. & Mrs. Hallman have been foster parents for the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth since 1982 where they have lovingly cared for over 100 children in their home.  Mr. Hallman currently serves as Regional Vice-President of the Foster Parent Association and has served previously as Pennsylvania State Foster Parent Association President.  Mrs. Hallman serves on a number of boards and organizations.

October 19, 2005 – The Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth was honored by the Wissahickon School District as a Community Hero for the collaborative work of the agency on the interagency panel of professionals who identifies “At-Risk” youth and provides supportive services to those youth and their families.  Children & Youth’s representative on the Interagency Panel is Adolescent Supervisor, Kerry Greene.  

September 25, 2005 – Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth staff held a post-adoption picnic at Souderton Borough Community Park.  Adoptive parents and their adopted children were invited to a fun-filled day of music, games, fun, laughter and support.  The picnic provided the opportunity for adopted children and their parents to gather with other families who are sharing similar experiences.  Live music and entertainment was provided by the kid-friendly Penny & the Pinecone People.  Event coordination was provided by Children & Youth Post-Adoption Worker, Carol Godshall.

September 16, 2005 – The Montgomery County Foster Parent Association held their 2^nd Annual Gold Outing at Twining Valley Golf Club to benefit Montgomery County foster children.  The event was chaired by Fred Blankenburg from Children & Youth and Brian McMahon from the Foster Parent Association and supported by Montgomery County foster parents, Children & Youth staff, Twining Valley Golf Club staff, and hundreds of local contributors and sponsors.  The Montgomery County Foster Parent Association utilizes donated funds to support the special and unique needs of abused and neglected children in Montgomery County. 

August 27, 2005 – The Montgomery County Foster Parent Association held their annual picnic at Hatfield Park.  Montgomery County foster parents, foster children, and Children & Youth staff spent a fun-filled day playing games, socializing and barbequing.  The event is a wonderful opportunity for children to forget their problems and difficulties and simply have fun with other children in a similar circumstance. 

August 4, 2005 – Montgomery County Children & Youth Director, Laurie O’Connor; Chief Juvenile Probation Officer, Steve Custer; and Youth Center Director, Maureen Raquet presented the Child Welfare Needs Based Plan and Budget for Montgomery County at the Public Hearing held today at 10:00 am.  The Needs Based Plan and Budget sets forth Child Welfare programs and related expenditures and revenues for fiscal year 2005-2006 and 2006-2007.  The Public Hearing is the public’s opportunity for input into the budget planning process and provides opportunity for explanation of services and questions and answers about Child Welfare Services in Montgomery County.  

June 10, 2005 – Montgomery County Human Service Departments held their 4^th Annual Open House and Job Fair at the Montgomery County Human Services Center Community Room this date from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  The event was attended by 12 County Health and Human Services Offices who are in need of qualified applicants to fill their existing vacancies.  The event was publicized throughout Montgomery County via newsprint, websites and college career counselors.  The Job Fair was coordinated by Michele Kristofco, Children & Youth’s Community Relations Specialist.

June 5, 2005 – Superkids of Montgomery County, Inc. recognized the achievements of abused and neglected children in Montgomery County at their Annual Achievement Luncheon held at Westover County Club.  Superkids Chairman, Thomas Ward, and Superkids Board Members recognized artistic achievement of children by awarding U.S. Savings Bonds and also recognized academic and behavioral achievement of the children by awarding Boscov Department Store gift certificates.  A total of 65 children served at home or in a placement setting through the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth received recognition at the event.  Activities, games and prizes were provided for all children attending the banquet.  Banquet coordination was provided by Children & Youth Administrative Assistant, Dawn Batman.

May 2005 – Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth foster parents and staff attended the Montgomery County Commissioners Meeting where the foster parents were recognized by the County Commissioners for the outstanding contributions of foster parents in meeting the needs of abused and neglected children in Montgomery County.  The County Commissioners, James R. Matthews, Chairman, Thomas Jay Ellis, Esq., and Ruth S. Damsker proclaimed May as Foster Parent Recognition Month in Montgomery County. 

April 8, 2005 – The Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth staff and Citizens Advisory Committee members held an Informational Open House as a forum for discussion of important children’s issues.  Local Legislators, School Principals and Guidance staff, Police Chiefs and Juvenile Officers joined our Montgomery County Commissioners James R. Matthews, Chairman, Thomas Jay Ellis, Esq., and Ruth S. Damsker as they proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Montgomery County and opened up the Informational Forum.  The Honorable S. Gerald Corso, President Judge, provided information about child dependency issues in the County.  Children & Youth Director, Laurie O’Connor, and Children & Youth staff, representing all facets of the agency, were available to provide information about the role and function of the office and to answer questions.

April 4, 2005 – Montgomery County Children & Youth Community Relations Specialist, Michele Kristofco, presented the agency’s Annual Report to the Citizens Advisory Committee Members.  The report details information and statistics about the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth from incoming reports and referrals of child abuse and neglect made to the office to the number of investigations completed, cases opened, foster care placements, adoption and more.