A Kenosha County staff member with a long career focused on positive youth development and prevention is the recipient of this year’s Connie Reyes Award for Excellence in Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention.
Gang Intervention Supervisor Donna Rhodes received the honors Thursday, during a program held in a roomful of friends, colleagues and family members.
“I’ve been here for all of these award presentations in the past, and I can’t tell you what an honor it is to be the recipient of this distinguished honor,” Rhodes said. “I also want to thank my family for sharing me with so many families over the years. I am truly humbled.”
Granted annually, the award is named for Reyes, a Kenosha County social worker who worked with families that had experienced child abuse and neglect.
On April 12, 1990, Reyes tragically lost her life while serving these children and families. The award honors her while recognizing individuals today who work to protect children and strengthen families in Kenosha County.
“Connie Reyes’ memory and legacy lives on through this award, and Donna Rhodes is a most fitting honoree,” said Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman. “Donna is an excellent example of service to the community, with her many years of working compassionately on behalf of youth and families in our community.”
Serving in her current role since 2009, Rhodes has directed the county’s focus on following the Comprehensive Gang Intervention Model that is set forth by the state’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, said Ron Rogers, Director of the county’s Division of Children and Family Services.
Among Rhodes’ accomplishments noted by Rogers are the coordination of the county’s annual Summer Youth Employment program for at-risk youth; leadership of several community activities, including National Night Out; and collaboration with the Kenosha Unified School District on classes and workshops for parents, and the improvement of treatment services at Hillcrest School.
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Rhodes began her career working for Professional Services Group, running programs in Racine County focused on the intensive supervision of delinquent youth and independent living skills for youth.
In 1991, she transferred to Kenosha County programs, initially as a Youth Outreach worker at Reuther High School. She later supervised a series of other programs before transitioning into her current role with the county.
Rhodes has also given back to the community through her service on various organizational boards and committees, including the Concerned Citizens Coalition, the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Committee, the ELCA Outreach Center, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside School of Social Sciences and the Exchange Club.
In praising Rhodes during Thursday’s event, Rogers quoted from one of the letters he received nominating Rhodes for this year’s award.
“Donna’s kindness, humor and thoughtfulness encourage her colleagues to emulate her generous spirit and provide for those in our community who are struggling,” Rogers said. “She shines as an example of the importance of leading efforts to promote the physical, mental, social and emotional well-being of all children and youth in the Kenosha community.”
To learn more about the Kenosha County Division of Children and Family Services and the programs it offers to promote the safety and well-being of children and families, visit www.kenoshacounty.org/241/Children-Family-Services.