New Directions Celebrates Dedicated Staff Members

New Directions Youth and Family Services Recognizes Long-Serving Employees

New Directions Youth and Family Services recently celebrated the achievements of several dedicated staff members as part of its Milestone Years of Service awards program. This initiative honors individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to supporting children and families throughout Western New York. The awards ceremony, held during the fourth quarter of 2024, reflects the organization’s recognition of the invaluable contributions made by its employees in improving the lives of those they serve.

Among the honorees from New Directions’ southern tier programs were several Youth Support Specialists, each demonstrating significant tenures of service. Marsha Ling was recognized for her impressive 15 years of service as an on-call Youth Support Specialist at the Randolph Residential location. Additionally, four other staff members were honored for reaching the five-year mark: Tina Adams, Mason Hartzell, and Kaitlyn Snayczuk, all serving as Youth Support Specialists, alongside Snayczuk, who holds the title of Senior Youth Support Specialist.

Sarah Taylor, the President of New Directions, expressed her gratitude towards the diligent staff, stating, “We are grateful to our dedicated and compassionate team members for their commitment to children and families at New Directions. We especially want to highlight staff who have reached milestone years of employment with us. Your work exemplifies the heart of our mission, and we are inspired by your dedication to creating brighter futures. Thank you for being the cornerstone of hope and support for the children and families who need it most.”

New Directions Youth and Family Services, which has established itself as a cornerstone institution within the Western New York community, offers various programs aimed at addressing the needs of at-risk youth and families. The organization boasts a wide range of services, including residential programs, crisis intervention, and educational support, all designed to empower individuals and assist in their personal development.

Recognition events such as the Milestone Years of Service awards not only bolster employee morale but also highlight the critical role that dedicated professionals play in the success and sustainability of service-oriented organizations. As New Directions continues to advance its mission, the commitment of its staff remains central to fostering positive outcomes for the community it serves.

This acknowledgment of exemplary service underscores the importance of investing in personnel who are passionate and dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of others, an ethos that New Directions holds at the core of its operations.