Good Shepherd Mediation Program Names the 2008 "Shepherds of Peace"

Philadelphia, October 28, 2008 - The Good Shepherd Mediation Program is Philadelphia's only neighborhood justice center, offering mediation services, and conflict resolution training and consulting. Each year it selects individuals who have been instrumental in encouraging peace and social justice in Philadelphia and honors them as "Shepherds of Peace." The 2008 Shepherds of Peace were chosen for their dedicated and compassionate work to ensure the health and safety of Philadelphia's children, youth and families: Dr. Victoria Yancey; Dr. Tony Chunn, and Dr. Estelle Jasnoff-Chunn.

Dr. Victoria Yancey is the Representative Liaison for the Office of Communications Community and Faith Relations of the School District of Philadelphia. People who know Dr. Yancey as a result of her work with the School District know her as the Guardian Angel of Hope. This title is fitting because "hope" is exactly what she brings to the families and children who are experiencing loss, grief, trauma, or illness. When a student is impacted by violence, Dr. Yancey is the first responder from the School District. She has spent countless hours bringing comfort and hope to families in emergency rooms and, unfortunately, funeral homes.

Dr. Yancey also serves as the Chairperson of Safe Night Philadelphia for the past four years. Safe Night Philadelphia is a city-wide effort led by the School District of Philadelphia as a response to violence and to address the issue of youth safety one night at a time. Dr. Yancey has organized over 600 people from all over the City to hold Safe Night events that integrate fun with lessons in conflict resolution, leadership development, and anger management. Safe Night is a way to increase awareness of safe havens around the city and a way to encourage volunteers take part in keeping students safe. No student has been arrested, admitted to the hospital or died due to violence on a Safe Night on Dr. Yancey's watch.

Dr. Anthony F. "Tony" Chunn is a dedicated and compassionate advocate for the health and safety of Philadelphia's children, youth and families. He is the President and CEO of CORA Services, a private, educational, community based, nonprofit, multi-funded agency offering professional human services to children, youth, and their families in the Greater Philadelphia area. Founded in 1971 under the sponsorship of the Sisters of Good Shepherd, CORA Services focuses on children at-risk. Since its inception, the agency has developed a comprehensive range of services covering many professional disciplines. Today, CORA staff serves children and families in over 100 non-public schools and public schools, recreation centers, and community centers.

Dr. Estelle Jasnoff-Chunn established a private practice in 1981 serving the mental health needs of children and families. Since her early career, she has specialized in working with children with special needs. She joined CORA Services in 1973 as a School Psychologist in the Non-public School Services division. She became the Chief Psychologist for CORA Services in 1975. Jasnoff-Chunn established Alternative Learning Centers to better serve the special education needs of gifted students attending non-public schools. Jasnoff-Chunn, a licensed psychologist, has held numerous positions as an educator, a clinician, consultant and private practitioner.

The accomplishments of the 2008 "Shepherds of Peace" inspire us to keep the flame of hope alive for Philadelphia's young people, many of whom face unimaginable challenges. The Good Shepherd Mediation Program chose to three beacons of hope as a way spotlight their contributions and to remind us what can and needs to be done to ensure a brighter future for our children.

For more information about the Good Shepherd Mediation, contact Cheryl Cutrona, the Executive Director, at 215-843-5413.