The following was submitted by the theROC Youth Services.
theROC Youth Services Board of Directors are very pleased to announce the appointment of Shannon Collins (née Claxton) as the Acting Executive Director of theROC, and the planned retirement of theROC’s longtime Executive Director, Darlene Thompson, effective June 12, 2024.
Shannon has served as theROC’s Youth Inclusion Program Case Manager since January 2023. A graduate of Brock University with a Bachelor of Art in Psychology, Shannon is highly qualified to lead theROC with 12 years of social work experience, working for such organizations as Highland Shores Children’s Aid Society and Family and Children Services of Frontenac, Lennox and Addington. Shannon has significant experience working with youth and families struggling with mental illness, addiction and homelessness and also has extensive training in supporting youth who have been or are at risk of being subject to sexual exploitation. Raised in the county, Shannon’s in-depth knowledge of youth struggles in the community, theROC programs and services, and her demonstrable commitment to the mission and values of theROC, will ensure that the organization continues to run smoothly during this time of transition. Shannon’s leadership will be vital during the coming transition while theROC’s Board of Directors establishes its procedure for recruiting a permanent Executive Director.
Darlene’s retirement follows a 25-year career at theROC. Darlene founded theROC in 2000 alongside her mother, Marilyn Crowe, together with many supportive family and friends, passionate about supporting County Youth. Starting as a volunteer, entrepreneur, and visionary steward, Darlene created a dynamic program to serve our community’s children and youth. As the organization evolved, Darlene became the first Board Chair and later theROC’s first Executive Director in 2010, serving for the next 14 years. Since then, she has led theROC through significant growth and accomplishments with unwavering passion and devotion for the well-being of Prince Edward County youth. Under Darlene’s leadership, theROC has fostered strong relationships with community partners, emphasizing the importance of collaborative community engagement, which is critical to ensuring positive and successful outcomes for youth. Darlene’s commitment to the success of theROC has been a model of service that will be remembered and honoured for years to come.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Shannon in her new role as Acting Executive Director of theROC, and warmest congratulations and best wishes to Darlene as she enters this next chapter in her life with her family and friends.
theROC is a community leader in youth services, with dedicated, knowledgeable and compassionate staff and volunteers who are committed to theROC’s mission to empower Prince Edward County youth to succeed socially, emotionally and academically by prioritizing their wellbeing and safety; fostering resiliency and a sense of community. As we move forward in the next steps in theROC’s development, we are confident the organization will continue to grow to meet the complex and ever-changing needs of the County’s young people.
Shannon Collins will serve as Acting Executive Director of theROC Youth Services. (Photo provided by: theROC Youth Services)
