The “Citation of Distinction” of the Wyoming Valley Interfaith Council is conferred annually upon individuals who are recognized as leaders within the community for exemplifying the high ideals of human dignity, compassion, and friendship for all people.
The 2017 recipient of the Citation of Distinction is Deacon Joe DeVizia.
Joe most recently worked as the Executive Director, Luzerne County Office of Human Services where he was responsible for the oversight of the County Human Services Agencies including Area Agency on Aging, Commission for Women, Children & Youth Services, Drug & Alcohol Program, Mental Health/Mental Retardation Program and Transportation Department. He is a Deacon for the Diocese of Scranton, currently assigned to Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church on Park Ave, in Wilkes-Barre.
He received his MS in Education in 1974 from Wilkes-College and has served the community through his association with various organizations including:
Former Co-Chair (Professional Chair)
Former Board Member, Child Development Council
Former Mentor, Leadership Wilkes-Barre
Former Board Member, Pennsylvania Association of MH/MR Providers
Former Co-Chair (Professional) State Mental Health Planning Committee
Committee, State Office of Mental Health Committee on Day Services
Co-Chair and current member State CASSP Committee
Board Emeritus VISION (Former President)
Board of Directors – North East Behavioral Providers Network
Ordained Deacon assigned to St. John’s/Sacred Heart
Co-Chair Children’s Committee Pennsylvania Community Providers Association
Coordinator for Formation Advisors Pastoral Ministry for Diaconate Candidates
Board Member Leadership Wilkes-Barre
He has several publications and articles to his credit on social service topics. These include:
“Success in a Foster Home Program for Mentally Retarded Children”
“Integration of Children into Television Programming”
Exceptional Parent Magazine, November-December, 1975
“Aging Retarded Citizens: Quest for Dignity”
National Apostolate for the Mentally Retarded Quarterly Journal, Winter Issue 1976
“Myths about Mentally Retarded People”
National Apostolate for the Mentally Retarded Quarterly Journal, Spring Issue 1976
“Meaningful Relationships with Mentally Retarded Individuals”
National Apostolate for the Mentally Retarded Quarterly Journal, Spring Issue 1977
“Utilization of Generic Programs in Providing Recreational Programs in Luzerne
County”
Pennsylvania Parks and Recreational Journal.
“Marriage and the Mentally Retarded”
“Case management Services for Mentally Retarded Persons: An Attempt to be More
Joe lives in Larksville with his wife of 48 years Mauria. He is the father of three children, son Joseph, Jr., and daughters Tania and Khrista.His hobbies include music, reading, and teaching.
For more information or to make a reservation, please contact MS Terri Nowak at. (570) 283-9593.