From staff reports
Several people were honored Wednesday night at the annual Venango County Human Services awards dinner at Wanango Country Club in Reno.
Martin Richards, who had served as executive director of the Regional Counseling Center, received a lifetime achievement award posthumously. Richards passed away on New Year’s Day.
Richards moved to the U.S. from England in the early 1990s to work at VisionQuest and later at Family Service and Children’s Aid Society.
In 2008, he began working at the Regional Counseling Center, where he helped develop the transitions program and the hoarding recovery and maintenance program.
He became the facility’s executive director in 2017.
Six volunteers and professionals and one business who have excelled in human services were also honored at Wednesday’s dinner. They are:
- Outstanding volunteer — Jackie Cokain
- Outstanding family — Heather and Hope Faunce and Tommy and Tyla Cox
- Outstanding individual — Angela Proper
- Outstanding community partner — Giant Eagle in Franklin
John Shandor, store leader of the Franklin Giant Eagle, received the award on behalf of the business.
About 115 people attended the dinner. Dana Winters was the guest speaker.
