Ophelia Volunteers Recognized at Annual Appreciation Dinner

April 10, 2006

The Ophelia Project's national office is located in Erie, Pa. and our commitment to the Erie community remains a top priority. We maintain a separate Erie team made up of dedicated staff and long-time volunteers who have impacted the lives of more than 20,000 children and families with programs in 21 locations throughout the city. Ophelia's efforts in Erie continue to be largely volunteer-powered, and 5,000 hours of service were donated this year alone by local youth and adults.

Dozens of volunteers were recognized this month at a tropical luau in honor of their commitment to The Ophelia Project. Represented groups included: The Ophelia Project's board of directors, young adult mentors from Mercyhurst College and Penn State Erie - The Behrend College, members of the Covert Aggression in the Workplace task force, adult mentors from the YMCA Go Girl Go program, program facilitators from various Erie elementary and middle schools, and numerous other volunteers who have spent countless hours of their time creating safe social climates in the Erie community.

Volunteer of the Year recipient, Susan Leone (pictured above), was featured during a special presentation by Director of Erie Services, Katie Allison. Leone has been involved with The Ophelia Project for the past four years and today is a CASS© consultant and facilitator for the RA Master Team. The Master Team is made up of several high school girls who present to middle schools and after-school groups across Northwest Pennsylvania to raise awareness about relational aggression.

"I was drawn to The Ophelia Project," Leone said, "because I read an old newsletter where adults were sharing their personal stories about RA, and I was so touched. I was a victim of relational aggression when I was young and I knew that I had to be part of an organization that was working to help kids like me. Ophelia has given me back the voice I lost."

Click here to watch a video clip of the Volunteer of the Year award presentation. (Coming soon)

Click here to view a photo gallery from the event.