WILMORE, Ky. — Jennifer Withrow of the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice, who also teaches in the Master of Social Work program at Asbury University, was recently honored with the Tony Gobar Outstanding Juvenile Justice Specialist Award. Presented by the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ), the award recognizes a specialist who has exemplified excellence in service to others; has been dedicated and committed to improving the juvenile justice system; and has demonstrated compassion and concern for juveniles and advocates.
“The depth and breadth of her contributions – particularly in service to others – is truly second to none,” said Kentucky Juvenile Justice Advisory Board Chair, Dr. Jay Miller, in his nomination letter for Withrow. “Jennifer is committed to ensuring that the general public understands issues related to Juvenile Justice and she often volunteers to serve on community panels and conduct Juvenile Justice workshops, and {trainings}… Jennifer has dedicated her personal and professional lives to ones of service to others.”
Withrow will be presented with award at the Coalition for Juvenile Justice Conference in Washington, D.C. in June.
In addition to being honored for her work in the juvenile justice system, Withrow was a recent recipient of the “Teachers Who Made a Difference” award from students in the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (where she also teaches as an adjunct professor). The program allows students to nominate and thank teachers who have inspired and motivated them to succeed.