Beacon Light Behavioral Health System, Beacon Light Adult Residential Services and Journey Health System held their annual board and donor appreciation event recently at the Pennhills Club. Nearly 60 people were on hand as agency leaders thanked board members for volunteering and community donors for providing philanthropic support toward the agency’s mission.

The program commenced with a prayer by the Rev. Leo Gallina. Joseph Yaros, Journey Health System’s board chair, delivered a warm welcome message, followed by an introduction of all of the board members. Their boards’ combined total of 325 years of service was applauded.

Years of Service milestone awards were presented to: Kathy Jones and Joseph Yaros for 20 years and Joe Haines and Mary Anne Polucci Sherman for five years of service.

The 12th Annual B.E.A.C.O.N. Award was presented to Gregory LaRocca. B.E.A.C.O.N. stands for Being an Enthusiastic Advocate for Community and Organizational Needs and is awarded each year to an individual who exemplifies service to the Beacon Light companies.

Guy Signor, Journey Health System’s President and CEO said, “Greg’s unwavering commitment to governance and leadership, coupled with his passion for service and philanthropy, continues to inspire those around him.”

With 16 years of dedicated service, LaRocca currently serves as treasurer of the Stairways Behavioral Health Board in Erie and recently completed his term as chairman of the board of directors for Journey Health System. His extensive background in management and finance has been invaluable, contributing his expertise to various committees, including finance, development, human resources and strategic planning. LaRocca is being honored for his dedication and commitment to positive change within both Stairways Behavioral Health and Journey Health System.

LaRocca stated, “As I accept this award, I do so on behalf of all of you. This is a celebration of a collective impact and shared values for changing lives together. I am grateful to be a part of this important work and the Journey Health System family.”

Other highlights of the evening included a testimonial from a psychiatric rehabilitation program client and a live video with clients of Beacon Light Behavioral Health System’s Specialized Therapeutic Residence for Intellectual & Developmental Empowerment (STRIDE) program.

Tana Smith, Journey Health System’s director of institutional advancement thanked HUB International for co-sponsoring this event, all of the agency’s staff, donors and honorees for their continued support.

Thousands of children and adults have received treatment throughout Beacon Light’s over 120 years of service. Each day, their programs serve more than 1,200 individuals in some way, and whether it’s in a family therapy session, a structured group home setting, a peer-led mental illness recovery journey, or alternative classrooms teaching life skills.

For more information about career opportunities or donating to Beacon Light Behavioral Health System and Beacon Light Adult Residential Services, visit www.beacon- light.org.