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Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission Honors Contributors to Justice-Involved and At-Risk Youth in Riverside County

May 19, 2023

The Riverside County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission (JJDPC) honored a distinguished group of individuals and organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to the lives of justice-involved and at-risk youth in the County of Riverside.

“The JJDPC is proud to recognize community caregivers, staff from county agencies and community-based organizations who go above and beyond in their unwavering dedication to serve youth in our communities,” JJDPC Chair Christopher Collopy said.  “They are all transforming young lives in positive and meaningful ways.”
Awards were presented in several categories; The Bert R. Van Horn Award was conferred upon Riverside County Probation Department employees who provided superior service and care to youth housed in county juvenile treatment and detention facilities.

“Providing services and activities to youth in our juvenile facilities, many of whom have come from troubled environments and suffered trauma, can be challenging,” said Probation Corrections Officer Airam Bonilla.  “But it’s incredibly rewarding to serve as a mentor and see them grow toward their full potential.”

Jennifer Kopfler, Deputy Director of Children’s Services at the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) was recognized with The Starfish Award for her tireless work to deliver services which provide vital connections for youth in out-of-home care across Riverside County.

The JJDPC celebrated six people as Caregivers of the Year. Honorees Angel and Gabriela Castillo of Jurupa Valley foster five siblings as they regain their footing in the community.  “Two or three of the kids we have fostered have already caught up to their grades in the last three years and two months and they never were in a formal education setting,” Angel said in a video shown at the event. “For them to catch up is just remarkable.”

This year’s Service Above Self Award was presented to Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Anthony Colace who was at the end of a graveyard shift when he responded to a runaway child call. He was the first person to encounter one of the Turpin children after her escape from “a house of horror.”

Watch full ceremony video at https://youtu.be/xTSFRinyt-o

Watch foster family video at https://youtu.be/Ubqxzk4jSNM
 
JJDPC Awards Honorees

Legacy Award

Former JJDPC Commissioner Robert Lippert

Service Above Self Award

Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Anthony Colace

Juvenile Justice Public and Private Partnership Award

Dale E. Fowler School of Law Mediation Clinic at Chapman University

Community Delinquency Prevention Awards

Boxing For Christ

Murrieta Police Department - Explorer Post #1992

Corona Norco Unified School District and The City of Corona Police Department - Prop 47 Program

Bert R. Van Horn Memorial Award

Probation Corrections Officer Airam Bonilla

Probation Specialist Maria Soto

Sr. Correctional Cook Christina Cabanillas

Probation Officer Award

Deputy Probation Officer Brittany Hill

Sr. Probation Officer Gabriela “Gabby” A. Hernandez

Starfish Award

Deputy Director Jennifer Kopfler -

DPSS Children’s Services Division

Caregiver of the Year Award

Snijina Nedeltchev

Tiny Buck

Angel Castillo & Gabriela Castillo

Erika Ruiz Pennington & Jessica Ruiz Pennington

PCO Ryan Santana Probation Corrections Officer Special Recognition Award

Probation Division Director Daniel Castaneda