Our People Make the Difference
2011 Difference Maker of the Year
Chairman of the Board of Directors Monroe Golliday, Garrett Schwarz, President/CEO Tom McBride
Epworth Village held a breakfast on Thursday Jan. 19 to honor the employees who were named as monthly “Difference Makers” and had celebrated an employment milestone in 2011. President/CEO Tom McBride also announced the 2011 Difference Maker of the Year award, which was presented to Garrett Schwarz.
Schwarz is the Residential Manager for two Child Welfare group homes at Epworth Village. He has many responsibilities between the two houses, and spends time at each during the week. When working directly with the boys and staff, he puts the boys first and makes sure their needs are being met.
“I’m truly honored to be named as the 2011 Difference Maker” Schwarz said after the presentation. “Nine years ago, I was out of college looking for a job, and I knew I wanted to work with youth, and that’s when I started working at Epworth” he added.
Schwarz who is married with three kids of his own decided to stay in York to raise his family and continue working for Epworth Village. When asked why he enjoys working at Epworth, Schwarz answered “There will always be children and families who need the services that Epworth provides. I believe I am using the gifts god gave me to make a positive impact for these families.”
McBride described Schwarz as a “terrific young man.” He added “His personality, work ethic, integrity and professionalism are a wonderful influence within our agency and to the youth and families we work with.”
Having worked within different levels of care, including the Epworth Village Learning Center, Schwarz has worked with virtually everybody in the agency. When asked about Schwarz, his supervisor, Lead Residential Supervisor Dave Rea had nothing but praise. “He has always been passionate about working with the young men we serve. He handles himself with class and poise when faced with a crisis and he uses those as teaching moments.”
Schwarz’s work ethic and professionalism are a shining example of the staff at Epworth Village. Congratulations to the 2011 Epworth Village Difference Maker of the Year, Garrett Schwarz.