Winkler Named Children Services Volunteer of the Year

Brooke Winkler is Wayne County Children Services (WCCS) Volunteer of the Year. Winkler, a clinical therapist at The Village Network, Wooster, volunteers inside the child mentoring program.

"Brooke is a wonderful role model and mentor," said Jackie Wynn, volunteer coordinator at WCCS. "She makes a personal investment and children, especially teens, know when people are genuine."

Winkler has volunteered at WCCS for nine years inside the mentoring program. She was selected to receive the agency's top honor because of her dedication to the child mentoring program.

"Mentoring was one of my college goals," said Winkler. "Family is very important to me and I have been fortunate in that respect. Mentoring allows me to have another little sister."

Winkler has mentored two teenage girls through the WCCS program, girls she says that will be forever a part of her. Movies, walks, community activities and just hanging out are some of the things they do together.

"Mentoring is immeasurable," added Wynn. "No one can ever know the impact they make on someone but over my 12 years with the program I have seen some great changes."

Mentoring a child is only one of many volunteer opportunities with WCCS. The agency uses community volunteers for parent mentoring, tutors, special projects and the Christmas project. For more information on how you can help call WCCS at 330.345.5340 or visit the web at http://www.waynecsb.org/.