2009 Governor’s Volunteer Award

Two SOY volunteers will receive a Governor’s Volunteer Award. 

Rich Thomson has been a faithful volunteer at Polk County Youth Services for over three years. He meets with young men one-on-one at both the Detention Center and Shelter. He has been a mentor to one young man who left the shelter. Rich has also gone above and beyond expectations by following-up with some PCYS residents as they have been placed at Youth Homes of Mid-America and Woodward Academy.  Rich is featured in SOY’s promo video.  Rich also serves as a Bible discussion group leader.

Darin Wogen has been an enthusiastic mentor since 2006. He is an energetic, fun and funny guy. He and his mentee have fun doing things like eating out , gocarting and going to movies.  Darin says “Overall in the last 2.5 years, it has grown to a time we both look forward to and a safe place to share life. … we make the most out of each situation and try some things that work and some that don’t and laugh about the ones that don’t go as planned…. We try to go into everything with an open mind.”  Darin shared his testimony at last year’s spring banquet.  You can see a video of that here.

SOY would like to thank Rich and Darin for their outstanding service to kids!