Boys Town Washington

Jocelyn and Donnell Potts, Boys Town Washington D.C. Family-Teachers; Kichelle Coleman, Treatment and Foster Family Services Director were honored by the Consortium of Child Welfare. Lyn Corbett (right) was named vice chairman of the organization.

Washington, D.C., Employees Recognized for Strong Commitment to Youth

Recognized for their continued strong efforts providing help, healing and hope to severely at-risk youth, Boys Town Washington, D.C., employees were honored by the Consortium of Child Welfare June 22.

Jocelyn and Donnell Potts, Family-Teachers, were honored with the Brenda Strong Nixon Youth Advocate Award, and Kichelle Coleman, Treatment and Foster Family Services Director, was named Supervisor of the Year by the Consortium.

"Jocelyn, Donnell and Kichelle epitomize the dedication and caring commitment needed to help our children," said Lyn Corbett, Boys Town Washington D.C., Executive Director who was named to serve as vice chair during a critical time for the Consortium as it merges with the Consortium of Youth Services and increases to a 30-member organization.

"Boys Town is a shining example of how a child welfare program should operate," said Anniglo Boone, Ph.D., Consortium of Child Welfare Executive Director. "They create a safe passageway for children to get to adulthood. The children in their care always seem to flourish."

The Potts were nominated for their award for "building a culture of success for children and families." The Potts' commitment to every facet of the children's lives - school, court hearings, treatment sessions, family meetings - was strongly emphasized.

"They live their mission daily in word and de... advocating with their daily lives," said Salvatrice Murphy, Boys Town Washington, D.C., Treatment Foster Family Services Assistant Program Coordinator.

"For us to be selected out of all the agencies associated with the Consortium is an incredible honor," said Jocelyn, a Family-Teacher for three years with her husband Donnell. "The kids drive everything we do, every decision we make."

Coleman says she is honored and humbled to be recognized as Supervisor of the Year. Those who nominated her highlighted her strong abilities for boosting morale and collaborating with co-workers and other agencies.

"She inspires everyone around her to want to do the best job possible for the benefit of children and families," said Murphy.

The Consortium for Child Welfare, established in 1980 to improve child welfare services in Washington, D.C., works to protect children and support families by facilitating communication and collaboration; promoting innovation, services and developing resources; and advocating for the highest practice standards for children, youth and family services.