Texas Network of Youth Services to present award at annual conference in Houston
HOUSTON – Texas Network of Youth Service (TNOYS) is presenting its Distinguished Leadership Award to State Representative Sarah Davis (R-West University Place) in recognition of her dedication to improving the lives of Texas youth and families, including during the 85th Texas Legislative Session. The award will be presented today during TNOYS’ annual conference in Houston.
“This legislative session was an important one for young people in Texas and Rep. Davis’ support was critical to securing key policy advances for youth, including those who are in foster care or are at-risk,” said Christine Gendron, TNOYS’ executive director.
During the recent legislative session, Rep. Davis chaired the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Article II of the budget, which includes all health and human services. “The budget climate this session was extremely difficult,” said Gendron. “We are grateful to Rep. Davis for her leadership to preserve and expand critical services for young people who are in foster care, as well as programs that support and strengthen families in order to keep children and youth out of foster care.”
The award is being presented to Rep. Davis during TNOYS’ 34th annual conference at Houston’s Westin Galleria, which is attended each year by hundreds of youth services professionals from across Texas, as well as by youth and family members who have been involved in state systems.
In addition to Rep. Davis, TNOYS will recognize other outstanding Texas individuals and organizations who have shown leadership and dedication in serving youth, including Eric Elizondo, case manager for Turning Point Transitional Living Program at Roy Maas’ Youth Alternatives; Sadaf Meckfessel, program director for CCD Counseling’s Services to At-Risk Youth program; Mark Morkovsky, volunteer with Roy Maas’ Youth Alternatives; and Upbring’s “Be Real” transitional program for foster youth.
About Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS)
For more than 30 years, TNOYS has been the leading organization working to enhance services for Texas youth who are homeless, in foster care, or at risk, and to support the providers who care for them. The organization takes a comprehensive systems change approach to strengthen critical services for youth and families, focusing on policy advocacy, training and program development for providers, and youth voice. To learn more, visit www.tnoys.org.
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