Award of Accommodation
from Office of Children and
Family Services, Albany

September 26, 2007

On September 26, the Office of Children and Family Services
(CFS), Auburn Residential Center, honored Sean McLeod with a
special Award of Accommodation for his program design, "I Am
the Author of My Own Life Story."

In front of a crowd comprised of Juvenile Detention facility directors and managers from across New York State, Jerome Hall, Director of Counseling for CFS, presented Mr. McLeod with the acknowledgement, "For tremendous design, exceptional program delivery, and an unbelievable gift of communication [he] gave to all, including administration, faculty, staff, and residents, the Auburn Residential Center is proud to offer this Award of Accommodation for [his] ground-breaking program." Having attended the final presentation of McLeod's programming at the Auburn Residential Center, Hall felt a special connection to the acknowledgement.

This past June at the culminating performance of "...My Life Story," Mr. Hall remarked on what he had seen the residents accomplish that day: "I'm your cheerleader now, while [Peter Amankwaah, Facility Director, Auburn Residential] is [out promoting this facility], I will be there advocating because I can't imagine what has happened here today... To get to the level at which you are able to do what you did today, most people never ever get there. Half of us could never do that. You are not only doing yourselves proud for what you have learned and what you are doing here today, but you do our agency proud... When I go back to home office and every facility I go to, this is my example. Thank you."

Mr. McLeod's work in this area of expertise continues to shatter social and generational boundaries, and rise far above the
obstacles to achieving honest communication.
His effective approach is quickly becoming the
new standard for reaching through to
challenged youth and adults alike.

Written on the Award:

"It was our sincere pleasure to have you
launch this ground-breaking program with our
girls at the Auburn Residential Center. The
impact of this program has certainly left an
indelible impression that will last their
lifetimes, and we look forward to spearheading
the implementation of this program across the
great state of New York. Your program is
unmatched in its success, and we are proud
to have been the prototype facility. On behalf
of the NY State Office of Children & Family
Services, once again, we thank you."