The Village Network Works to Unite Boys’ Village Alumni

WOOSTER, Ohio – July 8, 2008 – The Village Network (TVN), Boys’ Village Campus, Wooster, Ohio, will host an Alumni Picnic Sunday, Aug. 10, Noon to 4:00 p.m. for past participants in the Boys’ Village residential program. All alumni are encouraged to visit the campus, renew friendships and share their stories with current residents.
      Alumni are encouraged to register for the family outing by calling 330-202-3861 or respond online at www.thevillagenetwork.org.
      This isn’t the first time alumni of Boys’ Village have met according to Bob Maruna, chair of The Village Network Alumni Committee, but it is the first time there will be a move to establish a formal alumni association.
      Maruna is a veteran with TVN working 23 years as the director of therapeutic recreation and currently serving as chair of the alumni committee. He and the committee hope formalizing the alumni group will be the beginning of reconnecting past residents with the mission of the organization.
      “Our alumni are a powerful, influential source of inspiration to the youth currently living inside our residential campuses,” said Maruna. “They come from various walks of life and their successes are proof that positive change and responsible living work.”
      The committee will begin recruiting alumni from the original residential campus, formerly known as Boys’ Village. The next steps for recruitment will be through the foster care treatment programs according to Maruna. A large portion of the residential youths moved to foster care from the residential program he added.
      Gathering alumni, regardless of the organization, has its challenges.
      “Our last known addresses may not be current and we are competing with vacation schedules,” said Maruna. “Add to that the special circumstances of TVN and its mission and it makes it just a little tougher.”
      The Village Network is a private, not-for-profit organization specializing in the treatment and care of troubled and traumatized youth. Programs include residential treatment, day treatment, treatment foster care and alternative school programs for male and female youth. There are eleven locations in Ohio each offering specific services.
      “Some alumni may choose not to revisit the more challenging times in their lives,” according to Maruna. “Others have great memories and savor the safe-house that rebuilt their lives.”
Not long ago The Village Network received a call from an alumnus in Colorado who is currently working inside higher education, explained Maruna. While he lived at Boys’ Village, he played on the football team. He was awarded two athletic letters for his dedication and a Most Valuable Player Trophy, all of which he lost. He was hoping TVN could replace them according to Maruna.
      “Been there, done that, is a powerful inspiration to those in residence today,” said Maruna. “I know the work done here. I believe in the cause. I see the dedication of staff and administration. And I see the successes. But the hopes and dreams of current residents becomes a reality when our alumni are on campus.”