Montgomery County, PA

December 31, 2007 – The staff of and the families served by the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth wish to extend our sincere appreciation to each and every individual, business, group, and corporation who participated in this year’s Gift Card Drive.  The event was a huge success and with your generosity, we were able to provide toys, gifts and food this holiday season to over 850 needy children here in Montgomery County!  Thank you for your continual support of this very important program each year.  We look forward to continuing this partnership with you and we wish you a very Happy New Year!

December 14, 2007 – Beyond.com provided a Holiday Party for 50 Montgomery County foster children and families at the Primavera Pizza Kitchen in Ardmore, PA.  Children were treated to pizza and spaghetti, while enjoying a magician, live music and holiday presents.  The children and families had a wonderful time enjoying this fun holiday party!  Thank you Beyond.com!

December 14, 2007 – The Montgomery County Young Lawyer’s Association sponsored a Holiday Party for foster children and families at the Office of Children & Youth.  Santa was on hand to pass out gifts to over 30 children and families.  Live music was provided by OCY staff member, Fred Blankenburg, and lunch was provided by the Montgomery County Foster Parent Association. Click here for photos.

December 14, 2007 – The Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth annual Holiday Luncheon was held in the Human Service Center Community Room.  Children & Youth staff, Citizen Advisory Committee Members, and volunteers were invited to relax and enjoy lunch while reflecting back over agency events of 2007.  Human Services Director, Joseph Roynan, provided the keynote address and Agency Director, Laurie O’Connor, congratulated staff for exemplary dedication and service over the year to Montgomery County children and families. 

Click here for photos.

December 10, 2008 – Montgomery County employees celebrated diversity with an event entitled “Holidays Around the World” this date in our Human Services Center Community Room from 11:00 to 1:00.  Department displays included various ethnic foods, cultural information, traditional music, family recipes, historical garments and much, much more.  The Office of Children & Youth’s display was coordinated by OCY Administrative Assistant, Suzanne Mountney, and was awarded “Most Informative Display” by County Commissioner, Ruth S. Damsker.  The event was enjoyed by all and afforded individuals the opportunity to learn about, enjoy and appreciate each other’s diversity.

December 8, 2007 – Tosco Corp held its annual Toys for Trees event with a slightly different twist this year.  To support the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth’s new Gift Card Drive, Tosco accepted donations of gift cards in exchange for Christmas Trees.  In addition to the trees, foster children and families were treated to live music, games, food, gifts, a moon bounce, and a visit from Santa himself!  The event was a huge success with Tosco donating over $1500 in gift cards for OCY children and families.  Thanks Tosco!

December 7, 2007 – Superkids of Montgomery County, Inc. held their annual Hershey Park Trip for abused and neglected children this date. 13 caseworkers escorted 34 children on this exciting bus trip.  The park was beautifully decorated with festive lights and Santa and his reindeer were on hand to welcome the children.  Despite the chilly weather, everyone had a wonderful evening enjoying park rides, delicious treats and holiday festivities.  Thank you to Superkids for sponsoring this wonderful holiday event.  Click here for photos.

 

November 17, 2007 – The Montgomery County Foster Parent Association held its 1^st Annual Spaghetti Dinner Fund Raiser at Plymouth Fire Company in Conshohocken from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.  Proceeds from this event will support Montgomery County foster children.  Event coordinators included Gina Kennedy and Melanie Kiefer, Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth foster parents.  

November 15, 2007 – McNeil Consumer Healthcare in Fort Washington, PA provided a generous donation of 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 to staff at McNeil for their years of dedication and support for families receiving services from the Office of Children & Youth. 
Click here for photos.

November 14, 2007 - The Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth hosted its 3^rd Annual Adoption Match Event in the Community Room of the Human Services Center to celebrate November as National Adoption Month. The Match Event was coordinated by OCY Staff Member, Pamela Hartman, and is held as an opportunity for adoptive families to learn more about 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 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.  An exciting addition to the event included a beautiful display of children’s portraits by the Pennsylvania Heart Gallery.  The Gallery display ran from November 14 through November 20, 2007.  Thanks to all who participated and made this event so special.  Click here for photos.

November 14, 2007 – Genuardi’s Market celebrated the completion of its 1000^th “lifestyle” store this date with a ceremony at the Genuardi’s store located at 310 South Henderson Road in King of Prussia.  The new store design emphasizes produce, deli, bakery, floral, meat and seafood with an ambience creating a warm and friendly shopping environment.  Other amenities include olive, nut and coffee bars, culinary centers and open hearth bakery ovens.  To mark this 1000^th milestone, Genuardi’s presented the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth with $1,000 in Genuardi store gift cards.  The cards will be used to support children and families in making ends meet this holiday season.  Thank you Genuardi’s!!!  Click here for event photo. 

November 8, 2007 – On this date in Montgomery County, a newborn infant was left on the door step of a private residence only a half block from Abington Hospital.  The baby is now safe and healthy and in the care and custody of the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth.  In Pennsylvania, all hospitals are considered SAFE HAVENS.  Safe Haven is a law in Pennsylvania providing mothers a safe, legal and confidential alternative to abandoning their baby.  Safe Haven allows parents to relinquish newborns up to 28 days old at any hospital in the state of Pennsylvania without the fear of criminal prosecution as long as the baby has not been harmed.  For more information please go to the Safe Haven Web site at www.secretsafe.org or contact the Pennsylvania Safe Haven Helpline at 1-866-921-SAFE (7233).

November 7, 2007 – Catherine M. Knowles, Senior Communication Representative with SKF USA Inc. in Kulpsville, Pennsylvania presented The Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth with a very generous donation of new coats, hats and gloves for children receiving services from our office.  Thank you to all the staff at SKF who contributed so generously to this important cause.  The new coats and hats will not only keep children warm this winter, but can positively impact a child’s self esteem as well.  Thank you for your support.  Click here for photo.    

October 27, 2007 - Biker’s Against Child Abuse (BACA) held their 4^th Annual Holiday Bike 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.  Despite inclement weather, the motorcyclists still gathered in Colmar for breakfast and dropped off well over $1000 in gift cards to support abused and neglected children here in Montgomery County!  Caseworkers, Family Support Workers and other professionals will assist families in appropriate utilization of gift cards this holiday season.  Thanks BACA!  Click here for photos.

October 24, 2007 – The Montgomery County Literacy Network sponsored the 13th Annual Spelling Bee at 6:00 pm at the Plymouth Meeting Mall.  The Office of Children & Youth was represented by Kathy Sullivan, Fred Blankenburg and Cathy Fulmer.  Team members enjoyed participating in the event and are happy to support the Montgomery County Literacy Network.

October 17, 2007 - The Peer Support Group of the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth sponsored a training for staff on Gangs and Gang Awareness this date.  Lt. Ron Flowers of the Allentown Police Department provided this informative training and information sharing session.  The discussion focused on both international and local gangs, gang activity, gang tags and signs, and the importance of working closely with the children in our community.  The function of the Peer Support Group is to understand the difficult and demanding nature of our child welfare professionals and offer training events and opportunities for staff to improve employee health and wellness.  The Peer Support Group of the Office of Children & Youth is chaired by OCY Supervisor, Mark Hansen.

October 2, 2007 – A very special thanks goes out to SKF, Inc. in Kulpsville, Pennsylvania for donating 48 Birthday Gift Cards to the Office of Children & Youth.  These gift cards were provided to support abused and neglected children known to the Office of Children & Youth on their birthdays.  The Office of Children & Youth has supported children and families for years at holiday time in December, but thanks to the generosity of staff at SKF, the Office of Children & Youth can now also provide additional recognition to children throughout the year.  SKF participates in several giving programs throughout the year and the Office of Children & Youth is delighted to have been selected as recipients of this special new program.  Click here for photos.

October 2, 2007 – Sixteen (16) Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth employees were among the two hundred and fifty employees recognized by the Montgomery County Commissioners for their years of service to the County at a luncheon held at Presidential Caterers.  Commissioner, Thomas Jay Ellis, Esq., Chairman; Commissioner James R. Matthews, 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, thirty and thirty-five years.  The following Children & Youth employees were recognized:

10 Years of Service	15 Years of Service	20 Years of Service	25 Years of  Service
Debra Adams	Stephanie Battallio	Joanne Cianciulli	Claire Butler
Karl Butrymowicz	Elaine Black	Charlotte Clark	Margaret Mary Frosch
Heidi Ciano	Mohideen Thajudeen		Bruce Mills
Valerie Croyle
Mary Jo Donaldson
Cathy Fulmer
Andrew Orr

** 30 Years of  Service: Richard Pearce **

September 23, 2007 – The Montgomery County Office of Children and Youth held its 5^th annual
Post-Adopt Picnic at Souderton Borough Park.  The picnic provided an opportunity for families to socialize with and receive support from other adoptive families.   Families were encouraged to participate in sibling visits during the picnic and several exciting reunions occurred.  Families enjoyed a picnic in the park, live music by the Pine Cone People, and a moon bounce and face painting.  Approximately 90 parents and children were in attendance.

August 10, 2007 – A public hearing was held this date at the Human Services Center in Norristown to discuss the annual Child Welfare Budget for Montgomery County.  Joe Roynan, County Human Services Director, was on hand to provide information on the budget along with Children & Youth Director, Laurie O’Connor and Chief Juvenile Probation Officer, Steve Custer.  The County continues to increase collaborative efforts between and among departments public and private to improve services to Montgomery County children and families.  Copies of the Child Welfare Budget and Integrated Children’s Services Plan are available upon request.

July 11, 2007 - The Second Mile (a non-profit organization) provided an evening at Water World in Phoenixville, PA for Montgomery County foster families.  Montgomery County foster children and families enjoyed the park, swimming pools, water slides and refreshments provided by Second Mile.  Water World Park specializes in swimming, slides, picnicking and interactive water activities for the whole family.  Special thanks to the staff at The Second Mile for all their help and support in organizing this worthwhile event for our OCY kids.

June 27, 2007 - The Peer Support Group of the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth sponsored an informational session for staff on Aclamo Family Centers.  Aclamo has offices in Norristown and Pottstown.  Aclamo Executive Director, Eddie Cruz, spoke to staff about the increasing Hispanic population in Montgomery County and the role of Aclamo Family Centers in working with both Spanish-speaking and low-income families in Montgomery County.  This was a very informative meeting provided by Mr. Cruz to OCY staff.  The function of the Peer Support Group is to understand the difficult and demanding nature of our child welfare professionals and offer training events and opportunities for staff to improve employee health and wellness.  The Peer Support Group of the Office of Children & Youth is chaired by OCY Supervisor, Mark Hansen.

June 23, 2007 – The Montgomery County Foster Parent Association held their annual summer picnic for Montgomery County foster children and foster families at Norristown Farm Park Pavilion this date.  A record 130 foster parents, children and staff were in attendance.  Activities included a dunk tank, zoo program, fire engine tour, and water balloons.  The children had a wonderful time “dunking” OCY staff members at the dunk tank, learning about the animals and climbing around the fire truck.  It was a beautiful day for sharing food and fun with all our families.  Thanks to all who took part in this great event.

 

June 7, 2007 – The Health and Human Services Departments of Montgomery County held their 6^th Annual Open House and Job Fair in the Community Room of the Human Services Center.  County 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	Youth Center

The Pennsylvania State Civil Service Commission was also on hand to assist the County Departments that have Civil Service requirements.  Anyone interested in applying for a position with the County may contact a specific department directly, or may contact Montgomery County Human Resources at (610) 278-3052 or visit the County’s website at www.montcopa.org , click here for photo of event.

June 4, 2007 – Superkids of Montgomery County, Inc held their annual golf outing at Twin Ponds Golf Club in Gilbertsville, PA to raise money for abused and neglected children in Montgomery County.  Superkids of Montgomery County, Inc. is a non-profit (501 © 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, founded in 1996, has supported thousands of children with the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth over the last eleven 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.  Superkids of Montgomery County, Inc. is a United Way donor organization.  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 3, 2007 – Superkids of Montgomery County, Inc (a non-profit, 501 © 3 organization of volunteers) recognized the artwork and personal achievements of children known to the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth at a banquet luncheon held at Westover Country Club this date.  Representative Jay Moyer joined Superkids Board Members and Children & Youth staff in recognizing and honoring the artwork and achievements of 66 Montgomery County children.  The theme of this year’s banquet was Your Imagination Can Take You Anywhere and activities for the children ranged from science, space and art to dress-up, make-believe and travel.  “The children had an activity-filled afternoon highlighted by the recognition of their personal achievements” stated OCY Director, Laurie O’Connor.  “We are proud of the accomplishments the children have made over the last year.” Click here for photo of event.

May 2007 – May is National Foster Parent Month.  Being a foster parent may be one of the hardest jobs in the world, but it is also one with many rewards.  If you want to learn more about becoming a foster parent for the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth click here for link to our Foster Care page.

April 28, 2007 – Dawn Batman, Fred Blankenburg, Michele Kristofco and Nadine Miller represented the Office of Children & Youth at the first North Penn Child Abuse Community Awareness Day held at North Penn High School.  This event was sponsored and organized by Biker’s Against Child Abuse (BACA) in recognition of April as Child Abuse Awareness Month.  BACA was formed in 1987 with the purpose to serve and protect the children of Montgomery County who have been neglected and abused.  Keith “Orangman” Dungan, President of BACA MontCo continues to lead the group into the future with the expanded purpose of assisting physically and emotionally abused children everywhere, and tirelessly campaigning to prevent all types of abuse of children before it starts.  To learn more about BACA, go to  www.bacamontco.com/Home.htm

April 13, 2007 – In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Office of Children & Youth provided an Informational Open House.  This 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.  The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners presented the Office of Children & Youth with a certificate proclaiming April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Montgomery County and asked all County residents to join together in supporting families in need in Montgomery County.  Montgomery County Commissioner, Ruth S. Damsker and the Honorable Joseph A. Smyth, Juvenile Court Judge, provided opening remarks and comments to commemorate the event.  To view the presentation of the proclamation, click here for photo.

April 2, 2007 – The Citizens Advisory Committee of the Office of Children & Youth acknowledged April as Child Abuse Prevention Month by devoting their April Meeting to a detailed review of the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth 2006 Annual Report.  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 provides the majority of their services to children while they remain at home.  “It is the mission of the agency to keep children and families together and intact whenever safe and appropriate” stated Children & Youth Director, Laurie O’Connor.  The report also details the numerous services provided by OCY including the number of child abuse and neglect reports for Montgomery County, out-of-home placement services, independent living services and adoption services.

March 22, 2007 – The Peer Support Group of the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth recognized March as Social Worker Appreciate Month with a Staff Rejuvenation Day open to all Children & Youth Staff.  Maria Markakis and Sandi Syglowski, from The Lincoln Center, provided an hour-long training to staff on Stress Reduction.   Training was followed by a health and wellness fair with relaxation-focused vendors and exhibitors.  Staff enjoyed the rejuvenation event which acknowledged the difficult and demanding nature of the child welfare profession while offering relaxation methods and stress relieving techniques.  The Peer Support Group of the Office of Children & Youth, chaired by OCY Supervisor Mark Hansen, has offered quarterly training opportunities for staff since January 2006.  Other training events sponsored by the Peer Support Group for Children & Youth staff included presentations on The Choking Game, Internet Safety, Anti-Bullying, and Personal Safety.  The Peer Support Group is planning their next training event for June 2007.

February 21, 2007 – Montgomery County celebrated Black History Month with a day-long program held at the Human Services Center.  The event included guest speakers, inspiring performances and educational displays.  The keynote speaker was Renee Amore.  Children & Youth staff who participated as event coordinators include:  Bruce Mills, Sara Lockwood, Carmen Jones, Ruth Hunter, and Doretha Fields.  Montgomery County Commissioner, Ruth S. Damsker and Human Service Director, Joseph Roynan were both on hand welcoming guests and enjoying the events of the day.  OCY staff members, Michele Kristofco and Dawn Batman, provided an educational display for the event.
 

February 16, 2007 – Officials of the South East Regional Office of Children, Youth & Families completed 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 found to be in compliance with applicable Federal and State Civil Rights regulations in regard to the delivery of human services.  “Successful completion of our annual inspection allows us to maintain a full operating license,” stated OCY Director, Laurie O’Connor.  “Ensuring appropriate, quality child abuse and neglect services to the residents of Montgomery County is our highest priority.”