Congratulations!
On Saturday, October 28, 2023 at the Yardley Country Club, we held a dinner celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Ivins Outreach Center (IOC) and honoring Darletta Berry-Johnson who has served as the Executive Director for all of those 20 years, bringing in many grants and spearheading all the IOC’s initiatives. She has demonstrated remarkable leadership and relentless energy in every single endeavor undertaken by the IOC, as well as providing assistance on other community grants for the Morrisville Borough and the 21st Century Learning Community grants in 14 schools in Lower Bucks. The IOC’s ability to continue to provide its many services is in large part due to her work and dedication. This was made so evident in the many commendations, awards and heartfelt recollections presented at the event. She has been able to pivot the mission of IOC to address emergent needs in the community, even as the challenges of the recessions and the pandemic have limited or even halted some of these services being offered by other organizations.
She was presented with a commendation from the Bucks County Commissioners by Diane Ellis-Marseglia (pictured above), recognizing the positive impacts that Darletta and the IOC’s endeavors have made on Morrisville and the surrounding communities, as well as the partnerships formed with other local groups and agencies.
State Senator Steven Santasiero sent commendations from the PA Senate, including a flag that had been flown over the PA Capitol in Darletta’s honor.
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick sent a proclamation recognizing Darletta and the IOC that had been read into the congressional record, thus becoming a permanent part of US history, searchable in the Library of Congress Archives. He also sent a flag that had been flown over the US Capitol in honor of Darletta.
Representative John Galloway sent a proclamation from the PA House of Representatives that was read by Tom Davidson, President of the IOC Executive Board.
Robert Paul, Morrisville Borough Council President, presented a resolution from the Council recognizing Darletta and her many achievements and the positive impacts they’ve made upon the community. Mr. Paul is also a volunteer at Ivin’s and serves on the Executive Board.
There were testimonials from members of families that had received assistance and services from Ivin’s. These testimonials were poignant reminders of just how important the work of Darletta and the IOC are to the Lower Bucks Communities.
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We would also like to recognize our sponsor, PayChex and the Lower Bucks County Technical High School, who provided the centerpieces for the event, as well as their ongoing efforts providing meals to our older adults that are distributed by IOC volunteers. This leads to recognition of the many volunteers, who under Darletta’s leadership, make the IOC programs so effective. Their tireless efforts keep the IOC running 365 days a year. And of course, to Morrisville Presbyterian Church, who first envisioned the Ivin’s House, and was responsible for its creation, and continues to provide support in so many ways. Finally, and very importantly, we want to recognize the many financial supporters who provide the resources that keep the IOC open and able to exist and provide the much-needed services. Your donations, sharing of your time and talents, as well as your participation in IOC fundraisers allow the Center to keep the lights on and doors open. This includes many individuals, local businesses and organizations.
Most recently, the IOC held its annual Golf Outing at the Yardley Country Club. The participating golfers and event sponsors helped Ivin’s raise over twelve thousand dollars that can go toward the many expenses not covered by grants. This is the largest fundraising event for the IOC each year, and its success is essential for the ongoing operation.
It was a wonderful evening, honoring Darletta and all the ways in which the Ivins Outreach Center has evolved over the past 20 years to becoming a vital and essential resource in Lower Bucks County where we strive to provide assistance to those who walk through our door, to families in our neighborhoods, to children in area school districts, to our older adults helping them to stay safely in their homes and remain active and socially connected and through partnerships with other non-profits and organizations we are able to reach out to the homeless and disenfranchised.
Now on to another 20 years and beyond!