Double the caring — Cronins’ service to youth

6. March 2009 by admin.

Mike and Peg Cronin were recognized at the CBRYC Christmas banquet as each marked their 35th Anniversary at CBRYC! While the number of years is important, it is the thousands of young lives that Mike and Peg have influenced during their careers that are truly important. In 35 years, their caring for the welfare of youth has never wavered. When boys who have been at CBRYC call to “check in” with staff, Mike and Peggy are on the list of people the boys hope to visit with and share what they are doing now. Mike joined CBR in 1973 as a mental health counselor/teacher. Peg joined CBRYC a few months later and they both committed to being houseparents. At that time, being a house-parent meant you were “parents” to 11or 12 boys, on a 24-hour basis. When Mike and Peg began their family, they moved into other positions at CBR. Today, Mike is a program director, and he relates directly with the boys in a number of situations. Mike would be the person listening to a boy share about how great a time he had at an event (perhaps a prom, basketball or football game). Mike would also be the person tying the ends together when something is amiss. Mike has a great ability to connect readily with the boys. Mike’s “high-5’s” are legendary with the boys. “It has been a privilege to work with the boys at CBRYC through the years, and a privilege to work with all youth,” stated Peggy. Peg’s easy smile and approachable style says to the boys (without a word exchanged) that she will be a person who cares about them. Peggy is Activities Director in the Education Dept. In that capacity, she develops class schedules, maintains the master schedule for all student class assignments, participates in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings, and plans special events. Working with youth at CBRYC is rewarding and challenging. Mike commented, “What other job could you do each day and have the potential to impact a youngster’s future, with a pat on the back, a positive word, or by teaching a life-long skill.” You might think that when this couple went home, they happily retired to peaceful quarters. Not so for Mike and Peg. Both are active leaders in the community, continuing to share their caring with community youth. Mike is a past president of Task Resources for Youth, (TRY) an organization that works diligently to make a difference for youth. He is a coordinator for the annual Toy Bowl, which involves many hours of volunteer service. (See related story.) Peggy also shares her time and talent as coach for the girls’ high school track team. This is also an effort of caring that requires many hours to see the results of her coaching efforts. When this busy couple slows down to catch their breath, they check in with daughters Tiffany and Tonja and grandchildren Trenten, Jayven, and the newest addition, Payton. This is a special couple for whom their reward is the difference they make in young lives.

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