Award Winner: Chesco Youth Center & Brandywine SPCA

WEST CHESTER, PA —The National Association of Counties granted the 2022 Achievement Award to a Chester County program in which juvenile offenders serve their community service working with dogs at the Brandywine SPCA.

A total of 255 juvenile offenders fulfilled community service requirements at the SPCA’s Shelter Animals For Enrichment program.

The award honors innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.

Chester County Youth Center caseworker Kristi Washington came up with the idea for juvenile offenders to fulfill community service hours and provide a positive enrichment experience for youths.

The shelter provides socialization of shelter dogs before they are put up for adoption.

“The program fosters an environment of judgment-free love and really builds beneficial relationships with everyone involved,” Hailey Marcus, director of community engagement at shelter, said.