President & CEO Michael Hopkins Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Pennsylvania’s Rehabilitation & Community Providers Association

Posted October 10, 2024

The Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA) presented the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award to Michael P. Hopkins, President and CEO, Children’s Service Center of Wyoming Valley (CSC), at its September annual conference held in Hershey. The award recognizes dedication and commitment to Pennsylvania's human services system, where Mike has spent most of his career leading mental health and social service agencies. As President and CEO of CSC since 2008, Mike has led several capital projects to expand facilities and programs that now serve 15,000 individuals of all ages each year across Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania.

At the conference aptly focused on "embracing challenges and empowering success," Hopkins was quick to highlight the many accomplishments of his team at the 162-year-old agency that started humbly as The Home for Friendless Children to help orphans of the Civil War. "Our team brings the absolute best of themselves to work every day, where they have set a high standard for community impact. They inspire me every day with their dedication and commitment to helping families lead more fulfilling lives," said Hopkins.

While noting his agency's focus on recruiting and retaining a strong workforce, Hopkins said, "This is a true honor to represent the accomplishments of Children's Service Center, where our team has improved quality and access for mental health, primary care, substance use and autism spectrum disorders. I appreciate the support of the Board of Directors, the Leadership team and all our staff for their talent, creativity, and professionalism to support those in need in Northeastern and North Central Pennsylvania. Our staff have been instrumental in transforming our service delivery with an integrative care model combining mental and physical health services with the Conyngham Primary Health Care Center."

"Leading CSC has been a privilege for 16 years when I consider the many milestones we have reached together to improve the health status of the community and reduce the many social risk factors that challenge our region's families," Hopkins said.

Prior to joining CSC in 2008, Hopkins served in progressive roles for children's behavioral health at Gustavus Adolphus Child and Family Services, Jamestown, NY; KidsPeace National Centers, Orefield, PA; and Counseling and Care Services, Danville, PA. "I've been blessed to have learned something from everyone I’ve had the pleasure to work with over the last 40 years," Hopkins said.

Founded in 1862, Children's Service Center, together with Robinson Counseling Center and the Conyngham Primary Health Care Center, operates in Wilkes-Barre, Tunkhannock, Hazelton, Honesdale, and Danville, delivering treatment, support and outreach in school, home, and community settings.

At the September RCPA Conference (from left): Mike Hopkins, President & CEO, Children's Service Center (Lifetime Achievement Award); Kim Sonafelt, CEO, Mainstay Life Services (Outstanding Leadership Award); Richard Edley, PCPA President & CEO; and PA State Rep. Eric Nelson (Legislator of the Year Award).