2015 Recognition of Asset Builders Celebration
The Every Kid in our Communities (EKIOC) Coalition held their first ever “Recognition of Asset Builders” Celebration on Sunday June 7th, 2015 at 1 pm at the YMCA Healthy Kids Day, hosted by the YMCA of Brockville and Area. This event was an opportunity to celebrate and honour organizations, businesses, and people who make a difference in the lives of children and youth- in other words they build assets in children and youth!
Through a public nomination process, twenty “asset builders” were identified. Seventeen asset builders were able to attend the event and are in the photo below. Tawnya Boileau, Chair of the EKIOC Developmental Assets Work Group says: “It takes a village to raise a child, and we are very lucky to have so many community members who are doing their part to support and raise healthy, caring, responsible, and resilient children and youth.”
Back row, from left to right: Matt Burley, Shane Geraghty, David Huether, Larry Smith, Peter Meier
Second row, from left to right: Tammy Sokolowski, Lori Warren, Brandy Morton, Lynda Joanisse, Lori Taylor, Joshua Plath, Rebecca Meier
Front row, from left to right: Brandi Allingham, Nicole McCann, Allie Stewart, Ruth Carter, Lesley Hubbard (representing Girls Inc).
Missing: Jeannie Davies, Cathie Motluk, Brett’s Valumart
Brief Descriptions of “Asset Builders”:
Brandy Morton: Brandy is the Assault Response & Care Centre’s Public Education Coordinator. Brandy is being recognized for her dedicated and compassionate approach to educating youth.
Lori Taylor: Lori works for the UCDSB as the Vice Principal of Equity and Inclusion. Lori is being recognized for supporting each individual’s unique qualities and diverse stories to promote positive growth.
Brandi Allingham:Brandi is the Supervisor of Aquatics at the YMCA. Brandi is being recognized for enabling her team to be extraordinary champions of children.
Matt Burley: Matt is a Kemptville Youth Centre Volunteer. Matt is being recognized for giving youth tools to raise their skill level and helping them to become more civic-minded people.
Ruth Carter: Ruth is the Supervisor of Youth Programs at the YMCA. Ruth is being recognized for her way of intentionally enabling young people to take on challenges they never thought possible.
Jeannie Davies: Jeannie leads the YMCA’s Junior Lifeguard Club. Jeannie is being recognized for her deep commitment to children’s growth and learning.
Shane Geraghty: Shane works for the Brockville & District Association for Community Involvement and is a community volunteer. Shane is being recognized for encouraging, inspiring, mentoring, engaging, respecting, and investing his timeand energy for the betterment of our youth.
Girls Inc. of Upper Canada: Girls Incorporated of Upper Canada is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold. They provide programs that promote education, leadership, sports, health and self-esteem. Girls Inc staff are being recognized for creating meaningful, supportive peer groups that encourage female solidarity; growing self-esteem that carries over to home, school, and the community; building key leadership skills and strong work ethics.
David Huether: David has spent many years as an educator (teacher, VP & Principal), volunteer with youth, and was our former DA work group chair. David is being recognized for his leadership in promoting and sharing the message of Developmental Assets.
Lynda Joanisse: Lynda is an Administrator and teacher at St. Lawrence Academy and is a community volunteer with youth. Lynda is being recognized for her dedication to providing free opportunities for youth to participate in the arts.
Nicole McCann: Nicole works at the YMCA and leads the after school program, youth night, and special needs. Nicole is being recognized for her commitment to supporting and caring for the all of the kids involved.
Peter & Rebecca Meier: Peter and Rebecca are dedicated community volunteers.Peter and Rebecca are being recognized for their clear commitment to Healthy Active Living for kids and for creating opportunities for kids to have fun while being active.
Cathie Motluk: Cathie is a YMCA volunteer who swims with the kids almost every Saturday night. Cathie is being recognized for her commitment to volunteering with kids for over 30 years.
Joshua Plath: Joshua leads the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today program at the YMCA. Joshua is being recognized for his commitment, dedication and concern for children that is beyond his years.
Larry Smith: Larry is a volunteer basketball coach for the Blazers organization, as well as at BCI. Larry is being recognized for being a role model for his teams by demonstrating a positive attitude, taking a personal interest in his players, and by valuing ongoing learning and growth. Larry leaves a legacy through each child and youth that he coaches.
Tammy Sokolowski: Tammy hires young people to support their entrepreneurial spirit, challenge their growth and encourage responsibility. Tammy is being recognized for being a perfect example of the kind of youth supportive adult who does this type of asset building solely out of love for, and belief in young people.
Allie Stewart: Allie is a volunteer with Tomorrow’s Leaders Today program at the YMCA. Allie is beyond her years in leadership ability and is being recognized for her unparalleled commitment to the kids who come to youth night and for creating safe and fun environments.
Brett’s Valumart: Brett’s Valumart is a popular place for students to buy their lunch. The staff of Brett’s Valumart are being recognized for their commitment to building positive connections with young people visiting the store.
Lori Warren: Lori is the Child Development Director at the YMCA. Lori is being recognized for her commitment to leading the YMCA Playing to Learn- a curriculum filled with Developmental Assets and for enabling her Children’s Services team to be extraordinary champions of children.
For more information on Developmental Assets and for asset building ideas, please visit: