YAP wishes a very happy retirement to Jim Holtry, one of our great Lebanon County PA partners and champion of community-based care, after nearly 40 years of service to youth and families. Since September 2000, as Executive Director or Lebanon County Children and Youth Services, Jim has worked to reduce the need for out-of-home placement for youth in Lebanon County and keeping families together through the development of a broad continuum of community-based services. Through his role in the Lebanon County Community Health Council, Jim also oversaw the development of a number of community initiatives designed to promote healthy living and family recreation such as Healthy Kids Day, the Under 20 Festival, and the Youth Only Day of Fishing, where Jim helped foster his love of the outdoors in Lebanon County families.

When asked what inspired him to dedicate four decades of his life to serving youth, Jim said, "The dedication of staff, helping kids, and making a positive difference in their lives, being involved with the community, being around a team of good people and helping staff out whenever I could, the social interaction and commitment all drove me."

Jim will continue to support children's services in Lebanon as a consultant to Lebanon County Children and Youth. He is also looking forward to spending time with his grandchildren, hunting, fishing, and watching the Phillies. Jim's willingness to go above and beyond to support families and his proactive partnership with YAP has been vital to Lebanon County and to YAP and he will be missed.

Jim being recognized by Lebanon County (at 2:12):