We’re happy to announce the winner of the inaugural Brenda Stark Award, Brenin Davidson. Brenin, a professional development coach with OhioGuidestone since 2014, accepted his award during a virtual awards ceremony on December 17 attended by his colleagues and parents.

The Brenda Stark Award honors someone who embodies the definition of a Youth Development Worker. Youth Development Workers assist youth to navigate the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood by coordinating and/or directly providing services that support academic achievement; promote career awareness and exploration; foster positive relationships; enhance job readiness; and nurture ethical behavior during the transition to adulthood. The award honors the legacy of Brenda Stark, a Y.O.U. colleague who passed away suddenly in 2019. She exemplified her role as a Youth Development Worker to an extraordinary degree. It is part of the MyCom Youth Awards.

Here’s what the nominator, OhioGuidestone Program Manager Nicole Rosenbaum, had to say about Brenin.

“Brenin has held multiple positions working directly with young people (i.e. residential, leadership coordinator, professional development coach), and they adore him. Sometimes so much, they will start looking, acting, and talking like Mr. B. His success with his cohorts seems to come naturally but is all founded in his relationship building, creating high expectations for his students and his commitment to nurturing self-sufficient leaders.

“Brenin’s classes always consist of graduates who have become independent problem solvers, leaders of their peers, and a group of close-knit individuals. He never just has a 'class.' He creates a community, a family, one that supports each other way even after they leave. These alumni always come back to visit Mr. B and offer support to others going through programming.

“Many new young people come to us just so they can have Mr. B as a mentor, coach, and instructor. Brenin knows each student has different needs and life experiences. He checks on their mental health, family/personal issues, physical health and nutrition, relationships, substance and/or drug use, and basic needs in addition to supporting them through their attainment of nationally recognized credentials, academics, and leadership development.

“An example of his commitment to young people, we had a youth who had started class with Mr. B. Like many of our clients, she was struggling with several barriers outside of school. The student started missing class due to these obstacles. Brenin worked day after day contacting, visiting, and talking to her about these issues. The student eventually returned to class because of the courage and support Mr. B showed her. She said, ‘No one has ever believed in me like Mr. B. Why didn't he just give up on me?’ That student has now graduated our programming and has stable, quality employment.”

Congratulations, Brenin. Thank you for your tireless and extraordinary work developing our young people. You do indeed exemplify Brenda’s powerful, loving, and life-giving presence and her belief in people, in their promise, and in their possibilities for growth.