This week, we are highlighting F. "Jerry" Adamek, an individual who has been a loyal ROP supporter for over 20 years and helped us make a difference in the lives of thousands of youth. Now he is taking a spot on our Impactful Individuals list.
Jerry Adamek began his career working with at-risk youth in the 1960's as a high school teacher, coach and counselor before he began working for the Colorado Division of Youth Services, a career in which he worked for 31 years. Beginning as a regional administrator and eventually taking his place as the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Human Services in 1991. During his time as director, Adamek spearheaded the concept of gender-specific programs in Colorado, one of which was Ridge View Academy-- a program Rite of Passage proudly operated for 20 years.
Not only was Mr. Adamek a reliable and engaging partner in our efforts to improve lives during his time as Director, he was also a strong advocate of the program after his retirement, serving as an RVA board member and even overseeing construction during the startup phases of RVA. The vision for Ridge View Academy was a dual effort but truly driven by Adamek in his ideology to "take the money for locks and fences and buy computers and whiteboards," to achieve a model that supports the education, normalized activities, and therapy for the students we served to promote rehabilitation. While there were many accomplishments over the years, during his 31-year career at Colorado DHS, Adamek reflected to say that working with ROP to fulfill this vision [Ridge View Academy] was the highlight of his career.
In 2023, Mr. Adamek was recognized with Rite of Passage's Lifetime Achievement award and got the opportunity to view the film inspired by the program he dedicated so much time to. This year, he was highlighted in our Magazine for the amazing work he has done in his lifetime for the betterment of the youth services industry and all the kids he has helped during his time in the industry. Additionally, Adamek remains an active member of the community driven to help kids as a part of the National Council of Juvenile Correctional Administrators, the American Corrections Association, and a variety of state committees and boards.
We are eternally grateful for Adamek's engagement and involvement with our kids, our programs, and our organization as a whole, as well as his lifetime's work to improve the overall welfare of the kids in Colorado in the youth services system. His work is something that will live on and continue to impact the lives of many for years to come. We are thankful that he has chosen to spend even a small amount of time working with us to improve the lives of youth.
Read more about Jerry and his story in our 2024 magazine!
https://lnkd.in/gjP_zGAr
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