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Good Shepherd Mediation Program Honors the 2009 "Shepherds of Peace"

Philadelphia, October 21, 2009 - Each October, in conjunction with Conflict Resolution Day, Good Shepherd Mediation Program, Philadelphia's only community mediation center, names several individuals who have been instrumental in encouraging peace and social justice in Philadelphia and honors them as "Shepherds of Peace." The 2009 Shepherds of Peace were chosen for their dedicated and compassionate work to ensure the health and safety of Philadelphia's children, youth and families: Frank Cervone, Esq., Stephen T. Johnson, and DeVonne Coleman White.

Frank Cervone is the Executive Director of the Support Center for Child Advocates, the lawyer pro bono program for abused and neglected children in Philadelphia. Whether he's working on a committee, advocating for a child, raising funds, or performing charitable acts, he's always thinking about the children and their needs. During the Support Center's annual toy drive, Frank delivers toys to the young people right alongside his staff and volunteers. Frank is just one of those rare people who always goes above and beyond what is expected to ensure that everyone feels appreciated and their needs are fulfilled. Frank maintains contact with many of the children who have been clients of the Support Center long after they have become adults. He always has the agency and the kids in his heart no matter what else is happening.

Deputy Commissioner Stephen T. Johnson, Sr. was appointed to the Philadelphia Police Department in 1977. His 32 years of service have included assignments in the 17th Police District, 16th Police District and the elite Highway Patrol Unit as a police officer. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1986; to Lieutenant in 1990 and to Captain in 1994. While holding the rank of Captain, he has served as the Commanding Officer of the 19th Police District in West Philadelphia from 1994 to 1997, after which he was assigned to command the elite Highway Patrol Unit. He was promoted to the rank of Inspector in March, 2002. While the holding rank of Inspector, he has served as the Commanding Officer of the Southwest Police Division (2002-2003); the Community Affairs Division (2003-2004) and the South Police Division (2004-2008), respectively. He was appointed to his current position as Deputy Commissioner of Homeland Security and Domestic Preparedness in May, 2008. Despite his hectic schedule, Deputy Commissioner Johnson makes the time to participate in the Commanders' Basketball League, which consists of a monthly game between police commanders and local middle school children in an effort to foster a positive relationship between police officers and young people.

DeVonne Coleman White, retired School and Community Services Manager of Good Shepherd Mediation Program (GSMP) has been affiliated with GSMP since 1985 when she served as an Americorps (VISTA) Volunteers in Service to America. Over the last 24 years, DeVonne has been instrumental in implementing a number of conflict resolution and peer mediation programs for youth. As a former teacher, she knows how to engage young people and keep them interested. She helped write and design the GSMP Peer Mediation Training Manual (1986), for 6th-12th grade students, and the Peer Mediation Manual for Elementary School Students (1995) for 4th-5th grade students. The number of young people and mediations she has facilitated is incalculable!

The accomplishments of all three of the 2009 "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 honor these 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.