Young Receives Los Amigo’s Award from Pa. Gov. Wolf

NEW CASTLE, Pa. – Gov. Tom Wolf recently presented Gayle M. Young, executive director of United Way of Lawrence County, with the “Los Amigos” Award in commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Young was nominated by the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs (GACLA). The commission was created by executive order and consists of volunteer members who have served Latino community since 1971.

“I visited Lawrence County and saw first-hand the work that Gayle has committed to serving the Latino population since their arrival to Lawrence County after Hurricane Maria in 2017,” says Luz Colon, GACLA executive director.

The Latino population is the fastest growing population in Pennsylvania, according to Norman Bristol, executive director, PA Diversity Equity & Inclusion.

“I have had the privilege of working with Gayle Young for the past five years, and with her help and the support of the United Way of Lawrence County we were able to put together various plans to help our new Latino families,” says Bristol.

Adds Maria Delgado-Santa, Latino commissioner for Lawrence County, “We were able to help them find housing, food, clothing and started ESL Classes with the help of the Carolyn Knox Foundation, Almira Foundation and PNC Bank to help prepare these individuals for the workplace by sharpening their English language.”

Young says she is “humbled and honored to receive this award on behalf of our community that came together to help and welcome our new Latino families into our community.”

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.