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Langhorne, Pa. -- Woods Services, a non-profit organization serving children and adults with disabilities, recently honored Joe Kovalcheck of Newtown with the President’s Award for Excellence. The award honors an employee in a management or supervisory position whose consistent use of sound management practices has contributed to the continued success of Woods Services. 

 

Joe Kovalcheck was hired by Woods in 1993 as a Staff Counselor in the Crestwood Program for children and adolescents with emotional problems and challenging behaviors. He advanced in 1999 to his current position as Residential Director of the Woodlands Program that serves individuals who have varying degrees of intellectual disability accompanied by significant behavioral problems. “Joe demonstrates the strongest commitment to the clients we serve and the success of our program,” said his supervisor, Mike Haggerty, Program Services Administrator for Woodlands. One example among many that speak to Joe’s dedication is his friendship with Troy Cowan, a Woodlands client.

 

Troy is twenty years old, dislikes exercise and struggles to control his weight. To encourage him to exercise, Joe accompanies him on a trek to the Pennwood Library in Langhorne every week. During the walk, they discuss new developments in Troy’s life. Most recently that talked about family, Troy’s possible discharge, and a senior class trip. Troy spends about an hour at the library before they start the return trip home.

 

Joe has a passion for training and coaching employees to provide the highest quality of care to clients. “He sets the bar high for the staff and leads by example,” continued Mike Haggerty. “I cannot think of a person who is more deserving of the President’s Award.”

 

Founded in 1913, Woods Services provides educational, residential, and vocational services to 1,400 children and adults with special needs. Woods is located in Langhorne, Pa with additional locations throughout Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware Counties. For more information about Woods, please contact Cheryl Kauffman at (215) 750- 4255 or ckauffman@woods.org or visit the Woods Services website at www.woods.org.

 

Photo caption: Joe Kovalcheck receives congratulations from Woods Services President and CEO, Dr. Robert Griffith.