VENANGO CO., Pa. — Venango County Human Services will hold a Resource Fair & Awards Presentation to be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2019.

The event will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Quality Inn ballroom in Franklin.

It is a free event and open to the public.

The resource fair will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More than 45 tables will be set up to provide information about social service programs and area providers.

The two featured speakers this year include:

1:00 p.m. – Christine Gaus is a Family Advisor from PA Family Network – Vision for Equality on “Creating a Vision for a Good Life.”

Chriss has been involved in the disability community, both professionally and personally for over 7 years. Her advocacy work began when her 7-year-old son Ryder was born and diagnosed with Down syndrome. Currently, Chriss is a Family Advisor with PA Family Network. She presents workshops and works directly with families in accordance to the mission and goals of the PA Family Network. This work gives her the opportunity to collaborate not only with stakeholders but the broader community.

2:30 p.m. – Joseph Croskey has dedicated his professional career to public service and currently serves as a professor at Clarion University of PA. His presentation is titled: “Mindful Wellness.”

Joseph has been involved with contemplative practices from various traditions for over 20 years. He continues to explore the art of leadership and works to inspire others to share their unique gifts with the world. He also works with businesses and individuals to apply leadership, mindfulness and emotional intelligence practices to improve workplace efficiency, culture, morale, and well-being. Joseph is a certified trainer for the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute, the mindfulness program developed at Google. He is a graduate of West Point, the US Military Academy, and The George Washington University. He is currently completing his Ph.D. dissertation, investigating students’ experiences with a mindfulness-based intervention. 

The awards presentation will follow from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the adjacent Garrison Room. Venango County Human Services will be presenting 11 awards this year to those within the community who have gone above and beyond in support of county residents.