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

June 9, 2008 – Superkids of Montgomery County, Inc held their annual golf outing at Jeffersonville Golf Club in Jeffersonville, PA to raise money for abused and neglected children in Montgomery County.  Superkids of Montgomery County, Inc. is a non-profit (501 C 3) charitable organization of volunteers that provides financial support for educational and enrichment opportunities for abused, neglected and abandoned children known to the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth.  Superkids, has supported thousands of children with the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth over the last fourteen years.  Thanks to Superkids, children who would not otherwise have the means, have been afforded the opportunity to attend college, participate in vocational programs, enroll in art, music and dance lessons, and experience summer camp enrichment programs.  Donations are always welcome.  Contributions are tax deductible.  Thank you for your support.


Contributions can be mailed to: 

Superkids of Montgomery County, Inc.

P.O. Box 1472

Blue Bell, PA 19422

 

June 7, 2008 - The Health and Human Services Departments of Montgomery County held their 7th Annual Open House and Job Fair in the Community Room of the Human Services Center to attract new, qualifies applicants to existing vacancies within County departments.  Departments represented at the Job Fair included:

 

 Adult Probation       Health
 Aging & Adult Services       Housing
 Assisted Living       Human Resources
 CareerLink       Juvenile Probation
 Childcare Information Services       Mental Health/Mental Retardation/Drug & Alcohol
 Children & Youth        Parkhouse
 Domestic Relations       PA Civil Service Commission
 Youth Center

 

Anyone interested in applying for a position with the County may contact a specific department directly, contact Montgomery County Human Resources at (610) 278-3052, or visit the County’s website at www.montcopa.org .   To learn more about Pennsylvania Civil Service job opportunities, go to www.scsc.state.pa.us .

 

June 2, 2008 - The Branch Creek Church in Harleysville donated gift bags and baskets for children in OCY foster and kinship placements.  The gifts include such items as tickets to events, museums, attractions, games, and even sports memorabilia signed by players. Caseworkers with the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth will be distributing these generous donations to the children.   Thank you so much to the members of Branch Creek Church in Harleysville for all their hard-work, time and effort in making such a wonderful donation to our office.  We thank you and the children thank you!

 

June 1, 2008 – Superkids of Montgomery County, Inc. provided the annual recognition banquet for abused, neglected and dependent children at Westover Country Club this date.  The theme for this year’s event was, “My Future is Bright and Beautiful”.   The children enjoyed special games, activities and a luncheon focused on the banquet’s theme of promising futures for the children.   Superkids Board Members were present to honor the children with achievement awards, art awards, prizes and gifts.  Special thanks to Superkids of Montgomery County, Inc. for providing the event.  Thanks also to the Children & Youth and County staff who gave of their time and talents to make this event so much fun for the children.  To see photos from this year’s event click here.   To make a tax deductible contribution to Superkids of Montgomery County, Inc. to aid abused and neglected children, make checks payable to Superkids of Montgomery County, Inc. and mail to P.O. Box 1472, Blue Bell, PA 19422.  Your support and generosity are greatly appreciated.

 

May 16, 2008 – Children & Youth staff joined together for a luncheon at Taylor’s Old Mill Restaurant to honor four long-term, highly-esteemed Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth employees who will retire at the end of June:

 

      Naomi Barry – Ongoing Supervisor, Willow Grove Office – 29 years of service               

      Robert C. Gerhard, Jr – Solicitor, Permanency Hearings – 19 years of service

      Richard M. Pearce – Ongoing Division Administrator – 31 years of service

      Alfred G. Pearce – Intake Division Administrator – 20 years of service

 

The hard-work, support, leadership and commitment of these distinguished retirees to the children and families of Montgomery County will be remembered by all of us who were privileged to know them and work with them.  Click here for photo. 

 

May 2008 – May is National Foster Parent Month - Foster parents are vitally important partners in the health, safety and well-being of abused and neglected children.  If you are interested in providing a loving, nurturing, supportive home for a child or children in need, or if you would simply like to learn more about foster parenting, click here to visit our Foster Care website.   We are happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have about foster parenting not only during May, but at any time throughout the year.

 

April 7, 2008 – April is Child Abuse Prevention Month – The Montgomery County Commissioners proclaimed April 2008 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Montgomery County, asking all residents to join together to recognize, report and support families dealing with issues of child abuse and neglect.  To further acknowledge April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth presented its Annual Report of Services for calendar year 2007 to the members of the agency’s Citizens Advisory Committee.  The Annual Report includes informational and statistical data regarding child abuse and neglect and related services available to our County residents.  To review the report in its entirety click here.  To report suspicions of child abuse and neglect call ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313.

 

March 28, 2008 – Montgomery County foster parents were honored at the Foster Parent Recognition Banquet held at Westover Country Club this date.  Foster parents were recognized during the evening for their numerous contributions to foster children and foster parenting in Montgomery County.  Foster parents open their hearts and homes to abused and neglected children each and every day asking nothing in return.  To learn more about becoming a Montgomery County Foster Parent, please go to our website at www.montcopa.org/mcocy and click on Foster Parenting and Foster Care.

 

March 27, 2008 – Children & Youth Director, Laurie O’Connor, was among the honorees at Montgomery County’s First Women’s History Month Luncheon.  Mrs. O’Connor began her career with the Office of Children & Youth in 1985 and was appointed to its top position in 2003.  Mrs. O’Connor is the first female to hold the position of Director of the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth.  Mrs. O’Connor was recognized for her achievements along with other “First Females” including Carolyn Carlucci, Public Defender’s Office; Risa Ferman, Montgomery County District Attorney; Alma Jacobs, Secretary of Aging; Jane Markley, Clerk of Courts; Major Delores Martin, Montgomery County Correctional Facility; Diane Morgan, Controller; and Terry Terzuolo, Patrol Officer.   County Commissioners, James R. Matthews and Bruce L. Castor were on hand to congratulate the honorees.  To view photos of the event click here.   


March 18, 2008 - Officials of the South East Regional Office of Children, Youth & Families held an Inspection Exit Conference at the completion of their annual inspection of the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth.  The agency was found to be in compliance with Department of Public Welfare regulations.  In January, the Montgomery Office of Children & Youth was also found to be in compliance with applicable Federal and State Civil Rights regulations in regard to the delivery of human services.  Based on the positive outcome of these two findings, the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth maintains full licensure. 


February 27, 2008 – Rebecca Rose, a Cheltenham High School student and Senior Girl Scout earned her Gold Award by supporting foster children in Montgomery County though the “My Bag” program.  Becky delivered boxes of personal items like soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower gel, pens, pencils, journals, books and games, which she had collected through her church and Girl Scout Troop, and delivered them to the Montgomery County Human Services Center.  The Montgomery County Commissioners and staff from Children & Youth were on hand to greet Becky and thank her for her efforts.  Children & Youth foster mother, Jenifer Fields, along with her own children and foster children decorated and personalized canvas tote bags to hold the donated items for new foster children coming into care with the Office of Children & Youth.  The purpose of the “My Bag” Program is to provide children coming into foster care in Montgomery County with a personalized supply of necessary items given in a caring, meaningful gesture of support.  To make donations of supplies to the “My Bag” program, contact Family-to-Family Coordinator, Fred Blankenburg at (610) 278-5800 or e-mail Fred at fblanken@montcopa.org.  To view photos of the event click here.


February 20, 2008 - Montgomery County celebrated Black History Month this date with a program held at the Human Services Center.  The event embraced an intergenerational approach to a festive, educational celebration of African American culture.  This year’s keynote speaker was State Senator, LeAnna M. Washington, representing the 4th Senatorial District.  Children & Youth Supervisor, Bruce Mills, was the Master of Ceremonies.  Four County employees were honored during the event.  Among them was Children & Youth employee, Arthur Reid, honored for his outstanding achievement in accordance with the event’s theme of “Pride, Perseverance and Progress”.   Mr. Reid has been with the Office of Children & Youth since 1985.  Congratulations Arthur!  To view photos from the Black History Celebration click here.

 

February 4, 2008 – The Citizens Advisory Committee of the Office of Children & Youth met today for its first meeting of 2008.  The new officers of the Committee are Chairman - Mary Onama, Vice-Chairman - Christopher Canavan, and Secretary – Peggy McMackin.  The new officers discussed their roles, the roles of the Committee at large, and initiatives and goals for 2008.  The Committee is a diverse group of community professionals from across Montgomery County who volunteer their time to provide advice and guidance to the Office of Children & Youth on topics impacting agency operations.  Congratulations to the new officers and to all the Committee members for their contributions to the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth.

January 18, 2008 - Office of Children & Youth Director, Laurie O’Connor, congratulated Children & Youth staff members for their hard work and dedication to children and families during 2007 at the agency’s first Staff Meeting of 2008.  She also recognized the efforts and achievements of five specific staff members who were nominated by their peers for recognition and achievement.  The award winners for outstanding achievement in 2007 are as follows:  Click here for photo.

 Commitment to Excellence     Pamela Hartman
 Most Valuable Person     John DeLay
 Distinguished New Employee    Shawn Bostic
 Distinguished Veteran Employee    Marian DeFoe

 Commitment to Volunteerism

    Diane Jablonski


2007 News Events
2006 News Events

2005 News Events