CONTACT:         

Lindsay Hansen

Catholic Charities

480.205.6195

lhansen@cc-az.org

PRESCOTT, Ariz. (April 1, 2009)…Diane DeLong, program director of Catholic Charities’ North Star Youth Partnership was named the 2009 Prescott Area Leadership Woman of the Year.  The awards banquet will be held on Wednesday, April 8 at the Prescott Resort.

Each year, the Prescott Area Leadership solicits nominations from the public in its search for qualified candidates, seeking one man, one woman and one male and one female youth of the year. The nominees should demonstrate significant visionary leadership and community service in the Prescott area community. Diane was selected from 25 nominations. 

“Diane runs an outstanding abstinence education program with strong youth development and community involvement components,” said Stan Hovey, Arizona Partners for Abstinence Education (APAE).  “Last year, North Star Youth Partnership touched the lives of 5,500 youth through its eight programs.  Diane is one of many outstanding abstinence educators in the state of Arizona and this award illustrates the exceptional programs and services that abstinence education provides for our youth.”

DeLong has been instrumental in growing North Start Youth Partnership’s youth development programs.  Since its inception, nearly 34,000 youth participated in programs and activities such as youth leadership, TAPP Players Drama Troupe, Baby…Ready or Not, posters and writing contests and special events like Teen Maze, Peer Assistance Leadership, Teens Taking Action, GoGirlGo, Girls & Sports Day and post-prom/graduation positive alternative events and parent workshops.  She also authored a Teen Maze guide that is available to communities who want to learn the step by step process to implement a Teen Maze in their area.

To learn more about the Prescott Area Leadership, visit http://www.prescottarealeadership.org or to purchase tickets for this year’s banquet, contact Anne at the Prescott Chamber of Commerce at (928) 445.2000.

About Catholic Charities

Founded in 1933, Catholic Charities Community Services is one of Arizona’s oldest and largest nonprofit organizations which offers a diverse range of social services that strengthen families, protect and nurture children, and support people in crisis.  Catholic Charities serves people of all ages and faiths.  Last year, the charitable organization provided over 50 programs at 100 locations to nearly 200,000 people in central and northern Arizona.  Catholic Charities is a member organization of Catholic Charities USA which is the largest private network of social service organizations in the United States working to support families, reduce poverty, and build communities.  The organization is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Children and Family Services.  To learn more about Catholic Charities visit: CatholicCharitiesAZ.org.

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