Sixteen years of keeping kids safe

By LYLE T. GALLOWAY
Posted 7/7/21

HONESDALE, PA — Four employees from Children and Youth Services (CYS) were given certificates in recognition of their 16 years of combined service to Wayne County. Accompanying them was casework manager Stephanie Bryant.

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Sixteen years of keeping kids safe

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HONESDALE, PA — Four employees from Children and Youth Services (CYS) were given certificates in recognition of their 16 years of combined service to Wayne County. Accompanying them was casework manager Stephanie Bryant.

Five years ago in July, Virginia Perea, Shawna Cassidy and Heather Schariest began their careers at the Children and Youth Center in Honesdale. Bryant spoke about each candidate’s respective journeys and the remarkable qualities that each woman displayed.

Perea works as a social service aid. Her superior remarked about her penchant for boosting the mood around the office and how she always has a smile on her face.

“Virginia’s always thinking of new and different ways to approach problems... her unique perspective is a tremendous asset in empowering the families that she works with, and the hard work and talent that she brings to the table is invaluable,” said Bryant.

Cassidy began her career at CYS as an intern for her Bachelor’s in Social Work. Her dedication, eagerness to learn and prowess working in the intake department were highlighted.

Schariest began her career alongside Bryant as a caseworker. Currently, she balances her career CYS while working towards her Master’s Degree in social work at Marywood University.

“There is no one more dedicated than Heather to the family that she works with. She has commendable engagement and insightfulness,” said Bryant.

Lori Owens rounded out the group with a year of experience at Wayne County Children and Youth under her belt.

“I always feel like the one-year anniversaries are critical... to hear great feedback from Stephanie and to know that you’re a great fit over there, I hope will continue to serve the people of Wayne County in your career choice here,” said commissioner Jocelyn Cramer.

The commissioners acknowledged that the task of protecting the children of Wayne County was not an easy one, nor was it a clear-cut nine-to-five job. The stressors and memories of the workday could not just be left at the door upon returning home.

“You walk around with burdens 24/7 that we appreciate. We feel your pain, we watch people come and go, and seeing people who stay and excel is really rewarding to us,” said commissioner Brian Smith.

Despite the difficult parts of the job, it is a necessary one. “The overall satisfaction of knowing that you just protected somebody and gave a kid an opportunity for a reasonable life going forward has got to be fulfilling,” said commissioner Joseph Adams.

Following the presentation of the certificates, two representatives stayed behind to review the paperwork for a process that doesn’t happen much during the Wayne County commissioners’ meetings. The commissioners made a motion to approve an adoption subsidy contract for a 15-month-old girl.

Honesdale, Commissioners, Children and Youth, certificates

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