Harrisburg, Pa.– Pa Family Support Alliance (PFSA), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, today awarded Tyler Smay their PA Blue Ribbon Champion for Safe Kids Award. This award is presented annually to four individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support and protect Pennsylvania’s children from abuse.

“Thanks to Tyler’s dedicated efforts to helps moms and dads provide a safe and loving environment for their children, many children are thriving with their families throughout Cambria and Somerset counties,” said Angela Liddle, President and CEO of PFSA. “He has a genuine passion for supporting parents and works tirelessly to ensure parents receive services that prevent child maltreatment from occurring. Tyler is a true example of how community leaders can make a lasting difference in the lives of others, and communities.”

Smay is the Program Director for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Laurel Highlands – Beginnings, Inc. The organization, located in Johnstown, serves both Cambria and Somerset counties. Smay came to Beginnings, Inc. in 2016 through the AmeriCorps program. He was named CASA Program Director in August 2021, having worked with the program since 2017. Smay is also Vice-Chair for the Stackhouse Park board of directors.

In honor of this accomplishment, PFSA and Secretary Valerie Arkoosh of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services recognized Smay in front of a packed audience of lawmakers, members of the media, child advocates, and students in the Capitol Rotunda. Pictures and short b-roll clips from today’s ceremony can be found here.

Thanks to a generous donation from Lamar Advertising, a billboard showcasing Smay’s award will be located along Scalp Avenue in Johnstown in April.

PFSA was joined by Secretary Arkoosh, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, Attorney General Dave Sunday and local and state elected officials during today’s ceremony, which kicks off National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Each year, PFSA hosts activities and events throughout the Commonwealth to increase awareness about the need for individuals to learn about the warning signs of abuse and neglect.

According to the 2023 Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ Annual Child Protective Services Report, there were 4,720 substantiated cases of child abuse, of which 57 were substantiated fatalities and 119 substantiated near fatalities.

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About Pa Family Support Alliance 

Pa Family Support Alliance, in partnership with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, prevents child abuse and protects children from harm by helping parents learn positive parenting techniques, educating professionals and volunteers who work with children to recognize and report child abuse, and helping community members learn how they can play a positive role in keeping children safe. To learn more about our programs, schedule a training, or donate, please visit pafsa.org, or call 800-448-4906.