Welcome to the KCIT CONNECTION

Quarterly Update


July 2024- September 2024



A way to connect and share updates about the work we do across PA

KCIT WELCOMES NEW AND RETURNING VOLUNTEERS!

Jamie Boyles works at Alice Paul House in Indiana, as a Shelter Coordinator, and before that served at Indiana County Children and Youth Services as Interim Administrator. He was previously at Alice Paul House as an Education Advocate, and before joining the team there he served in the Department of Corrections for over 10 years. Jamie was previously a KCIT volunteer, and we are excited to welcome him back! 

Krista Jennings currently works as a Prevention Educator and Counselor at Abuse and Rape Crisis Center in Towanda, and previously worked as Support Staff at BLaST Intermediate Unit 17, in Canton. She served in the United States Air Force as Air Transportation Craftsman, rank of Staff Sergeant. Krista has always been involved beyond her primary job, having served with Bradford County MOPs in a Leadership Position, as Director for the Canton Area School District Board of Education, and as a member with the Northern Tier Career Center Joint Operating Committee. 

Paula Neeley is a recent transplant to Philadelphia from Minneapolis-St. Paul, readily admits that she misses snow-shoeing in sub-zero temps! For the past 4 decades, her professional work and community volunteer efforts have been solidly in-or-adjacent to transformative justice projects, specifically from a collective perspective. Paula's graduate research focuses on the legacy of unresolved trauma.

Paige McCabe joins us from AARC (Abuse and Rape Crisis Center) in Towanda, where she works as an Administrative Assistant. Paige has a wealth of experience managing logistics and staff, and has turned that expertise to Victim Services, where said skill set is invaluable. 

Frances Lavender is presently a member and serves at Faith Deliverance Church of Jesus Christ in Harrisburg. Frances retired in 2009 from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry as an Employment Security Specialist with 38 years of service with the Commonwealth. She is the Certified Recovery Specialist Coordinator for Dauphin County Department of Drug and Alcohol and Faith-Based Consortium. Frances is very active in Community Service in a variety of roles, working with Lighthouse Transitional House for Women, Dauphin County Department of Drug and Alcohol, Dauphin County Systems of Care Faith Based Committee, and Dauphin County Prison.

Janet Rapuano is a returning volunteer joining us from Adams County and brings a wealth of experience serving in Pennsylvania schools for many years. She has been a counselor, a psychiatric attendant, a preschool teacher, a certified nurses' aide, a career education counselor, and more. She has served on Adams County Business Education Partnership Committees, was Co-Chair from 2000-2004 of the Career Development Committee, served on the Mentoring Committee, Executive Committee, and DDE-Senior Self-Improvement Award Committee. 

QUARTER AT A GLANCE

KCIT provided two deployments – Two teams for Butler County and one deployment in Bucks County.


KCIT conducted outreach to 12 forensic nurses.


The Training and Outreach Specialist conducted initial outreach focusing on State Police Departments. Beth contacted State Police Departments in all 67 counties, including the turnpike, and provided KCIT program information.


KCIT onboarded 4 new volunteers and worked with 2 others who

have been reactivated!


We coordinated, hosted and provided 2 Simulation Trainings for several KCIT volunteers who will now be deployment ready.


GCI training occurred in September and 18 participants completed the training.


The annual Volunteer Meeting occurred – YWCA Tri-County provided “Diversify Ourselves” training with 51% of volunteers in attendance. The training was made available virtually for those not able to attend in person. This meeting was a successful event bringing together in person our wonderful team!



Volunteer Meeting, Ephrata, July 2024


KCIT Volunteers, staff, and Advisory Committee Members traveled to Ephrata, or joined us virtually, for our annual meeting. We were so thrilled to have more than half of our volunteers attend the training, meet new volunteers, network, and connect as a community.


Continuing KCIT's commitment to our Anti-Racist/Equity Statement, we secured trainers Kristie Piacine and Kelly Grosser from the YWCA Tri-County Area. They presented "DIVERSIFY OURSELVES'', A Collaborative Learning Session, for the team. Their enthusiasm and connective approach energized the room, and they provided insight and information for those present.


Volunteers enjoyed the Eicher Arts Center for lunch, socializing, and the training. Connections were made over dinner, and volunteers continued the conversation from the training as we look forward to next year.


This year we sent out a survey for attendees to reflect on the meeting and training, and responses were constructive, informative, and positive. We hope everyone will join us for next year!


Advisory Committee Members prepare for our meeting at the Eicher Arts Center. All present shared that meeting in-person rather than virtually was a wonderful opportunity to delve deeper into the topics discussed. Thank you to all who attended!

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