Courtesy photo Williston’s Eckert Youth Homes recently promoted Darrin Sanford, left, to social worker and named David and Deborah Striker as houseparents.
Darrin Sanford has been promoted to social worker and David and Deborah Striker have joined the staff as houseparents.
A resident of Williston, Sanford graduated from Minot State University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in social work.
He is also a graduate of Trinity Bible College, Ellendale, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biblical studies and a minor in youth ministries.
Prior to his promotion, Sanford worked at Eckert Youth Homes for over six years as a houseparent.He also served as a direct-care worker at facilities in North Carolina and Colorado for three years before that. “Darrin’s experience and educational background will be invaluable to our residents,” Don Pitman, administrator of Eckert Youth Homes, said. “We believe Darrin will serve as a positive role model for our youth and will provide staff members with an important and unique programming perspective in that he is also a former resident, having lived at Eckert Youth Homes for seven months in 1993 as a teenager.”
Rejoining the youth homes as houseparents after a 20-year absence are David and Deborah Striker, formerly of Carlinville, Ill. The Strikers served as houseparents at the youth homes from 1984 through 1989.
They returned to Williston recently to fill the houseparenting positions vacated by Darrin Sanford and his wife, ReShana.
“We are very happy David and Deborah Striker chose to return to Eckert Youth Homes when we had houseparenting positions open,” Pitman said. “They are enthusiastic, caring, compassionate and respectful. They will serve as excellent role models, mentors and care-givers to our youth.”
In Illinois, David served as guest services supervisor for Lake Williamson Christian Center, a Midwest Christian retreat and conference center, and Deborah worked as a teacher’s aide.
David and Deborah are Trinity Bible College graduates.
-Eckert Youth Homes is a residential child-care facility licensed by the North Dakota Department of Human Services to serve at-risk young people, ages 12 to 18.
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Carole Chilton wrote on Sep 16, 2009 4:04 PM:
Love, Victor & Carole Chilton "