Williams retires and receives Corydon Award

Jan Williams, the longtime executive director of the Youth Services Bureau of Huntington County, recently retired as executive director. Her last day of service was Friday, December 13.

During her retirement party, State Senator Andy Zay presented Williams with the prestigious Circle of Corydon Award. The Circle is the only award issued and signed jointly by members of both the Executive and Legislative branches of the state government.

Williams was first hired in January 1995 as the part-time executive director due to a lack of funding. At the time, the agency had two full time social workers and a part-time financial staffer, and was located on the third floor of the old UB Building near the Huntington County Courthouse. Under Jan’s leadership, the agency has grown exponentially, and offers programming in multiple counties in the region.

 “I think, looking back on my time with YSB – besides the great staff and board members I have had the pleasure to work with – I would have to say my biggest accomplishments have been through community partnerships,” Williams says. “Whether it was the implementation of the Transition Center in 1996, which was a partnership with DCS and HCCSC to start Huntington’s first alternative school, or the long history of helping maintain and guide the Empowering Humanities group, it all required teamwork. Furthermore, the agency has been instrumental in the implementation of the Teen Suicide Prevention Task Force, which is now known as H.O.P.E (Huntington Outreach for Prevention and Empowerment). The agency remains the leader in suicide prevention in Huntington County.”

“As I look forward to the next chapter of my life, I want to focus on enhancing partnerships, especially with the focus of suicide prevention,” said Williams. “I also plan to spend more time with my family, spoil the grandkids a little more and enjoy life.”

“Jan’s focus on providing services for youth as they face life’s challenges is impressive,” YSB board president Charles Chapman said. “She has put YSB on a good path for the future.”