Orange County Government
Office of County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus
NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release Contact: Rebecca Sheehan
November 26, 2024 845.291.2700

Youth Empowerment Takes Center Stage at the Orange County Youth Bureau’s 14^th Annual Youth and Adult Summit

GOSHEN - On November 20^th, the Orange County Youth Bureau (OCYB) and the Youth Advisory Board/Collaboration for Community Change held the 14^th annual Youth and Adult Summit at Skea Lodge at Thomas Bull Memorial Park.

Over 100 guests joined in the celebration as youth leaders from just under 20 programs from around Orange County took the time to share about the impact their program has had on their lives and the difference they’re making in their local communities.

“It’s truly inspiring to hear about the impact these programs have on our youth,” said Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus. “This Summit is a platform for our youth to showcase their achievements and the important work they are doing in our community. We are incredibly proud of this partnership between the Orange County Youth Bureau and the Youth Advisory Board because it highlights the importance of supporting and empowering our youth to become leaders and change-makers.” 

The event kicked off with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Color Guard and welcoming remarks by OCYB Executive Director Rachel Wilson, Assistant to the County Executive Mary Pat Smith, and Orange County Legislators Paul Ruszkiewicz and Majority Leader Thomas Faggione.

Youth members of the Youth Bureau Advisory Board, Cloe Fain, Ramello Simmons, and Zoe Irabor, then facilitated the Youth Summit portion of the evening as they walked the room with a wireless microphone as they invited youth leaders at each table to stand and share highlights about their programs. They also provided youth the opportunity to express their appreciation to their program advisors and community partners.

After a festive evening that also included a buffet dinner and ice cream sundaes, Acting President for the Youth Bureau Advisory Board Kerri Stroka concluded the evening congratulating the youth for an incredible job presenting, thanking them for inspiring others, and getting them together for a group photo to celebrate each other’s accomplishments.

“I can’t say enough about what an impressive group of youth leaders we have in Orange County,” said Wilson. “I look forward to this event every year and am so encouraged by all the positive stories the youth shared.”

Programs represented included:

• 12th Rock – Volleyball
• Beautiful People
• City of Middletown Police Department - Community Outreach
• City of Middletown Police Department - Youth Leadership Program
• City of Middletown Police Department - Jr Police Academy
• City of Middletown Recreation Department – Boxing
• City of Middletown Recreation Department - Rec Fitness
• Jewish Family Service of Orange County, Inc.
• Mental Health Association of Orange County
• New York Special Olympics
• Orange County Summer Youth Employment
• Orange County Sheriff's Office Explorer Post
• Safe Harbors of the Hudson - Ritz Kidz Circus
• Wallkill Ambulance
• Warwick Area Farmworker Organization
• Warwick Community Bandwagon (Living Well)
• Warwick Community Bandwagon (Summer Youth Leadership Academy)
• Winslow Therapeutic Riding Center

“I would like to extend a special thank you to all the program advisors, family members, and elected officials,” said Wilson. “Assemblyman Brian Maher, Orange County Judge Craig Brown, Executive Assistant District Attorney Andrew Kass, thank you for joining members of the Youth Bureau staff and Advisory Board to celebrate such an impressive group of youth leaders from around Orange County.”

For more information, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845.291.2700 or presscontact@orangecountygov.com.

To learn more about what County Executive Neuhaus is doing for Orange County, follow Orange County Government and Steven M. Neuhaus on Facebook, @Orange County NY Govt and @steve.neuhaus on Instagram, and @OCGovNY and @SNeuhausOC on X. You can also watch Neuhaus’ NeuCast podcasts and Leadership Speaker Series on YouTube.

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(Left to right): OCYB staff Linda Seppey (Program Technician), Rachel Wilson (Executive Director), and Linda VanDunk (Account Clerk).

Rebecca Sheehan

Assistant to County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus

Director of Public Information & Media Relations

Orange County Government Center

255-275 Main Street, 3^rd Floor

Goshen, New York 10924

Main: 845-291-2700

Direct: 845-291-3255

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