Emlenton Borough - MID-ATLANTIC YOUTH SERVICES, CORP.

Emlenton Borough
511 Hill Street
Crawford Center Bldg.
2nd Floor, Suite 203
Emlenton, Pennsylvania 16373
P.O. Box 537
Emlenton, Pennsylvania 16373
724-867 -8611
Fax:724-867 -1918
Venango County
Western PA Child Care
12 Dakota Drive
Emlenton, PA 16373
September 24, 2008
Dear Mr. Cummings:
As you know the partnership between the Emlenton Borough and the Western Pa
Child Care Community Service is soon approaching its second year and end of the first
year of the Work Program. It doesn't seem that long ago that Council President Barry
Louise, Mr. Patterson, you and I sat down ironed this program out and got it off its feet. I
don't believe any of us realized just how wonderful this program was going to be for all
involved.
From day one all sides (your staff, our council and borough residents) were
apprehensive and a little nervous. None of us were sure how this small, rural,
predominately white community would receive the young gentlemen from Western PA
Child Care. Who would have thought that they'd welcome them with open arms and
look at them as part of their community.
When I first meet the young men, it is during the interview process. I see the
same feelings of apprehension and nervousness conveyed on the faces of these youth. By
the end of the second week the changes were unbelievable. They enter the Borough
Office with a "Good morning Ms Nancy" and talk about residents that have greeted them
on the streets and to their amazement how the residents now "know them by name".
I could go on forever with the list of projects and jobs the young men have done
but more importantly is the quality of work and the pride that they have when the jobs
completed. I receive numerous calls from residents complimenting the work that they
have done and how nice things look in town.
Recently, I was invited to the Western Pa Child Care to see a presentation
presented by two of the youth that are on the Work Program and work with the Borough
Maintenance Department. I've seen the transformation of the scare child turned into the
prideful, more secure young men. It was amazing to hear them in their own words tell
about the fIrst days here in the community. They were apprehensive to even step out into
the community, fearful that they wouldn't be accepted. They describe themselves as
criminals that would be look down upon, fearful of what someone in the community
might say that would offend them or hurt their feelings. Soon they learned that they were
now part of a community. They were overcome by the respect you get from a hard days
work. Listening to them compare those first days to now, is when it hits you, this
program really does work for everyone involve ( borough, residents and the children).
--One of the young men said, "I was mcarcerated for thief, I didn't realize how hard
those I stole from worked to make what I took, until I got my first paycheck". I repeated
to council what the young man said and I told them, "At the end of the day, you ask
yourself, did I make a difference today and the answer would be, yes".
When you hand these young men their paychecks and you realize that for the
majority of them, this is the first time they have received a paycheck you feel honor to be
a part of that moment. Its exciting listen to the boys talk about how they will spend this
money they've work hard for. Most wanted to send their money home to their families
and/or pay back court restitution. Some bought new work boots.
The people of the Borough of Emlenton and the Emlenton Borough Council
would like to thank you, your staff and the young men of the Community Service and
Work Program for a wonderful, successful partnership. This program has been a win,
win for everyone. We hope that this partnership continuous for many years to come.
Thank you,
q~~~~
EM~~~c~tBOROUGH