D S S P R E S S R E L E A S E
For Immediate Release:
May 5, 2006
Contact: Deborah Scott
(573) 751-4815
Nine from Montgomery City Youth Center
Recognized by Governor Blunt
with Shining Star Award
Jefferson City - Today, nine members of the Montgomery City Youth Center Cottage Staff were recognized by Governor Matt Blunt and Department of Social Services' Director, K. Gary Sherman, on the lawn of the State Capitol in Jefferson City. The awards presentation was the culmination of State Employee Recognition Day.
Members of the winning Cottage Staff include, Team Leader Justin Luetjen, Deanna Davis, Dave Sisk, Bobbie Norton, Cindy Ray, Belinda Williams, Joe Branson, Dottie Dunn and Terri Gerland. The Cottage Staff serve in the Montgomery City Youth Center to educate, treat and encourage youth committed to the custody of the Division of Youth Services by the courts.
“Work with juveniles often consists of small victories,” said Director Sherman. “However, this Award recognizes that the Cottage Staff used one event to encourage breakthroughs with several youth and their families. It is a proud accomplishment, well worthy of award.”
The Cottage Staff will receive the Shining Star Award in recognition of their work organizing “Family Fun Day” in July of 2005. “Family Fun Day” consisted of a barbeque, various games and other activities meant to encourage parents and their families to visit their youth more often at the Center. During the July event, several families that had never previously visited the facility attended.
“Continued family support, in the context of a son’s or daughter’s treatment program, is an important contributor to the achievement of individual goals and the strengthening of family bounds,” said Paul Bolerjack, Interim Director of the Division of Youth Services.
The Shining Star Award is given for outstanding contribution by a state employee, or employees, for local, state, national or international efforts, contributions or achievements
- Photograph: Governor Matt Blunt, presenting Shining Star Award to Montgomery City Youth Center Cottage Team Leader, Justin Luetjen.
