The Wernle Youth & Family Treatment Center will recognize Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., president of the University of Notre Dame, with its 2011 national Catalyst for Change Award at a dinner Oct. 5.
Located in Richmond, Ind., Wernle is a family-focused, child-centered agency that provides opportunities for the growth and development of troubled children and their families – individually, interpersonally and socially – through caring programs and healing relationships. The residential treatment facility annually assists some 200 children and families in Indiana and Ohio.
Wernle presents the Catalyst for Change Award to national, regional and local honorees, a philanthropist of the year and an alumnus for making a significant difference in the lives of young people. Father Jenkins, who is being recognized for his service as a university faculty member and administrator, will deliver the event’s keynote address.
The chief executive officer and president of Wernle is Darrell “Flash” Gordon, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Notre Dame in 1988 and ’89 and was a member of the 1988 Irish national championship football team.