VYJ’s Kelli Todd Honored with Don E. Wydra Memorial Award at Louisiana Governor’s 43rd Annual Conference on Juvenile Justice
Shreveport, LA – August 22, 2024 – The Executive Director of Volunteers for Youth Justice (VYJ), Kelli Todd, was distinguished with the prestigious Don E. Wydra Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention during the opening session of the Louisiana Governor’s 43rd Annual Conference on Juvenile Justice. The event, held at Sam’s Town Casino in Shreveport on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, marked a significant moment in recognizing the impact of dedicated professionals in the field of juvenile justice.
The Don E. Wydra Memorial Award, established by the Governor’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Advisory Board, honors the legacy of Don E. Wydra, a revered leader in Louisiana’s juvenile justice system. Wydra, who served as chief of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections’ Juvenile Services Section under Governors Edwards, Treen, and Roemer, left an indelible mark on the field before his passing in February 1998. The award celebrates individuals who continue to advance the mission of juvenile justice and delinquency prevention with the same commitment and excellence that Wydra exemplified.
Kelli Todd was recognized for her exceptional leadership and tireless work with Volunteers for Youth Justice, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support and advocacy for at-risk youth. Under her guidance, the organization has made significant strides in improving the lives of young people and fostering positive community change.
While introducing Todd, longtime advocate and past board member of Volunteers for Youth Justice, Laurie McGehee, talked about Todd’s accomplishments at VYJ. Those efforts include fueling the explosive growth and reach of the organization and its programming and the inception of The Harbor, a one-stop shop for services for families in our area. Under Kelli Todd, Volunteers for Youth Justice is truly providing a ‘community caring for children, youth, and families in crisis.’
In her acceptance speech, Todd expressed gratitude for the honor and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving lasting impact. “This is an honor, but this is about our courts, law enforcement, our community partners, everyone in our community allows us to do this work, we don’t just do it,” said Todd. “This is great recognition for VYJ and our parish, Caddo, Bossier, DeSoto, Webster, and the Arcadia areas where we serve.”
The Louisiana Governor’s Annual Conference on Juvenile Justice serves as a key platform for sharing insights, advancing best practices, and strengthening the network of professionals dedicated to improving the juvenile justice system. Todd’s award underscores the significance of leadership and innovation in addressing the challenges faced by young people in the justice system.