Kelli Todd, Executive Director of Volunteers for Youth Justice (VYJ), received the esteemed Don E. Wydra Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention at the Louisiana Governor’s 43rd Annual Conference on Juvenile Justice. The award was presented during the event’s opening session at Sam’s Town Casino in Shreveport on August 21, 2024.
The Don E. Wydra Memorial Award, established by the Governor’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Advisory Board, honors the legacy of Don E. Wydra, a prominent figure in Louisiana’s juvenile justice system. Wydra, who served as chief of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections’ Juvenile Services Section under Governors Edwards, Treen, and Roemer, was a trailblazer in the field before his passing in February 1998. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the same level of dedication and excellence in advancing juvenile justice and delinquency prevention.
Todd was celebrated for her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting at-risk youth through her work with VYJ, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing advocacy and resources for young people. Under her direction, VYJ has made significant advancements in improving the lives of children and fostering positive community change.
In her introduction, Laurie McGehee, a longtime advocate and past board member of VYJ, highlighted Todd’s accomplishments, including the expansion of VYJ’s programs and the creation of The Harbor, a comprehensive service center for families in the area. McGehee emphasized that under Todd’s leadership, VYJ has truly embodied its mission of providing “a community caring for children, youth, and families in crisis.”
In her acceptance speech, Todd expressed gratitude for the recognition and underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving lasting impact. “This is an honor, but this is about our courts, law enforcement, our community partners—everyone in our community allows us to do this work, we don’t just do it,” said Todd. “This is great recognition for VYJ and our parish, Caddo, Bossier, DeSoto, Webster, and the Arcadia areas where we serve.”
The Louisiana Governor’s Annual Conference on Juvenile Justice is a critical platform for sharing insights, advancing best practices, and strengthening the network of professionals dedicated to improving the juvenile justice system. Todd’s award highlights the vital role of leadership and innovation in addressing the challenges faced by young people in the justice system.
For more information about Volunteers for Youth Justice, visit vyjla.org.