Every year during Public Service Recognition Week, May 4-10, the State of Oregon honors a select group of employees as “Ambassadors of Public Service.” These individuals reflect the best of what it means to serve: creativity, compassion, resilience, and a belief that public institutions can – and should – work for everyone. 

This year, four recipients from the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) were recognized: 

• Maddie Thein, Fiscal Analyst 

• Susana Escobedo, Victim Engagement Program Manager 

• Jennifer Falzerano, Statewide Education Coordinator 

• the entire team at Eastern Oregon Youth Correctional Facility 

The roads that brought them into public service differ but reflect the rich tapestry of public servants we have working throughout OYA.

EOYCF has created a reputation for opportunity, culturally responsive service and staff development. Facility leadership has emphasized education and vocational training to “skill youth up” to be job ready upon parole.  Welding, barista, and barbering programs that prepare youth to earn a living wage job upon parole is a priority. A heavy equipment simulator program certifies youth in this area of the construction trades. Culturally relevant programs are part of the fabric of the facility. Coupled with treatment interventions, these services prepare youth to lead crime free lives.  Cross training and helping staff to learn from each other prepares co-workers for future opportunities. This has led to valuing leadership training for staff to grow into their current and future roles as professionals. All of the above was put to the test in the summer of 2024.  EOYCF had to evacuate the entire campus due to extensive wildfires in Harney County.  EOYCF youth and 80% of the staff moved to the Western side of the state where youth were housed in two different OYA facilities. For four weeks the EOYCF staff continued to deliver services making sure that progress and treatment for youth was unimpeded. The Qualified Mental Health Professional traveled between each facility to provide needed intervention. In the words of Doug Smith, Superintendent, the words “that’s not my job” have never been uttered at EOYCF.

The staff will be invited to Mahonia Hall – Governor’s Residence, in Salem, for a reception with Oregon Governor Tina Kotek this week.