YPM 2024 Annual Conference: Learning from Leaders
The 2024 YPM annual conference was held September 27 and 28 at the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport. PA. The theme was “Learning from Leaders,” and we learned from the example of John Rush, executive director (2001-2011) who was honored in a “This is your Life” biography on Saturday afternoon.
A plaque in honor of all YPM executive directors was presented to John Rush, David Bowen (2013-2018), Carl Geissinger (2018-2023) and Sean Atkinson (2023-present). A second plaque was presented to David Manos for more than a quarter century of YPM service on the state board and in leading Yokefellowship groups in correctional institutions in the YPM North Central PA Area Council.
Almost 100 Yokefellows and friends attended the conference in full or in part. Attendance was up slightly from last year. Ryan Newswanger, CEO of Jubilee Ministries taught on “Ministry with Correctional Staff.” Returned citizen John Lekka and his mentor Lewis Lee presented a mentoring case study, and returned citizen Gerald Everett gave his testimony. John Lekka and Freddie Nole spoke on Meeting at the Door and NE Regional Director, Nessie Whaley, led the YPM certification training for eight people.
Thanks to Sinking Valley Construction for serving as a YPM Annual Conference Scholarship Sponsor.
Past Executive Director John Rush (center) with Doug and Dianna Hollis, John's wife Esther Rush and Susan Beard Nole
Past and present Executive Directors: John Rush, David Bowen, Carl Geissinger, Sean Atkinson
Chair of the Board David Lewis honors David Manos
Executive Director Sean Atkinson
Regional Directors: Nessie Whaley, Sean Atkinson, Mike Knott, William Jones
Meeting at the Door: Freddie Nole, John Lekka
Returned citizen Keith Rodriquez presents John Rush with a special gift
Speaker Ryan Newswanger, CEO of Jubilee Ministries
Attendees commit to the YPM Marks of a Yokefellow and Spiritual Disciplines
