This Friday is Patty York’s last day with Children’s Home & Aid. She is retiring after 16 years with the agency – but Patty has been involved with Children’s Home & Aid for over 25 years.  

Patty is a licensing coordinator in Rockford – she has truly lived the values of Children’s Home & Aid through her career. The many staff and families who have worked with Patty over the years are proof of that. From adoptive and foster parents who were guided by Patty in forming their new families, to staff who met found a welcoming friend in Patty on their first day, Patty’s commitment and impact was felt in countless situations.  

Many staff members who have worked with Patty over the years describe her as an endless source of knowledge. Patty’s vast comprehension of rules and procedures have oftentimes guided them through difficult times. However, Patty’s emotional intelligence and understanding is equally as impressive. Her colleagues say Patty never turned down another staff member who needed help, and that she always went above and beyond for children and families. Parents who had Patty as their licensing worker say they don’t know what they would have done without her.    

A large part of the reason Patty is such an understanding guide to adoptive and foster families, is that she herself adopted two of her sons through Children’s Home & Aid. 

See below for stories of the many lives Patty has touched –