Susie’s Place Exec Named Youth Worker of The Year
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowEmily Perry has been awarded the D. Susan Wisely Youth Worker of the Year Award by the Indiana Youth Institute. She is executive director for Susie’s Place Child Advocacy Centers. Susie’s Place opened its first center in Avon in 2009 before expanding to Bloomington in 2011 and to Terre Haute in May. Susie’s Place provides child-friendly centers that conduct forensic interviews as part of investigations into alleged child abuse and neglect.
Jan Lutz, executive director for the Indiana Chapter of National Children’s Alliance, nominated Perry for the award. Perry serves as the board president for the organization. Lutz praised Perry’s ability to forge relationships, collaborate and build teams while prioritizing the needs of the children Susie’s Place serves.
The D. Susan Wisely Youth Worker of the Year award honors one exceptional youth worker’s service and commitment to help improve the futures of Hoosier children. The award is named for the retired director of evaluation at Lilly Endowment Inc. who oversaw the development of numerous youth service-related programs such as the Lilly Fellows Program, which established many policies and organizations aimed at improving the quality of life for Hoosier children, including IYI.
As part of the award, Perry will receive a $2,500 cash prize to be used toward professional development. Additionally, she will be able to attend the 2017 Because KIDS COUNT Conference in Indianapolis at no cost. Perry will receive her award at the conference luncheon on November 29.
Four other finalists were offered a scholarship to attend the conference. Those finalists include:
– Brittany Winebar, Prevail, Inc., Noblesville
– Erin Parker, LaPorte Community School Corporation, LaPorte
– Kory Lantz, Transformation Ministries, South Bend
– Mecca Andrews-Hill, America’s JobSource/WorkOne, Anderson
The Indiana Youth Institute promotes the healthy development of Indiana children and youth by serving the people, institutions and communities that impact their well-being.