PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
WILLIAMS COUNTY I-TEAM … Williams County Common Pleas Court Juvenile and Probate Judge Karen Gallagher spoke to the Bryan Rotary Club about the Williams County Interdisciplinary Team (I-Team). As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there were significant societal changes that affected both juveniles and adults. The I-Team was formed to coordinate a community response with shared services. The team operates under four core values: ensuring kids are in school, maintaining accountability by applying consequences consistently, stabilizing families, and protecting older adults by balancing personal autonomy with freedom from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. One of the successful programs for youth is the STARS program, operated in conjunction with Ohio State University Extension. Youth in the program are learning life skills and have an opportunity to attend a summer camp with activities that promote working in groups and gaining self-confidence. The Williams County I-Team is recognized by state leaders as being successful in meeting the needs of the people in the county. Pictured are John Karacson, Alex Jacoby, Judge Karen Gallagher, Rotarian Jenny Horn, Ronda Muehlfeld, Michael Polley, and Gary Mohre.