Rep. Kokoruda Receives State Advocate For Youth Award

HARTFORD, CT – State Rep. Noreen Kokoruda made it a priority throughout her career to advocate on behalf of Connecticut families and children at the state capitol. As a direct result of her work within the legislature over the years, Kokoruda was the recipient of awards from the Connecticut Youth Services Association and the Madison Youth and Family Services.

“It’s critical to provide the resources and services families and children deserve to be successful here in Madison and across Connecticut,” Kokoruda said.

“I was proud to fight, in a bipartisan effort, to combat the opioid crisis, create a ‘Tobacco 21’ program, and continue the fight against the use of recreational marijuana,” said Kokoruda, who serves on the legislature’s Children and Education Committees.

At the annual state youth and family services conference, Kokoruda was one of three state legislators to receive the state-wide Advocate for Youth Award.

She was later recognized at the Madison Youth and Family Services regional conference known as the “Planning for Children and Youth Committee,” where she received her second award.

Scott Cochran, director of the local youth and family services agency nominated Kokoruda for her "exemplary leadership this year and her life-long commitment to public service."

Cochran said that Kokoruda "has always advocated for the needs of our most vulnerable populations including our youth and our elderly and views community-based programs and services, like those provided by Madison Youth and Family Services, as crucial components in a healthy town."

Kokoruda said she was honored.

“It was truly an honor to partner with Connecticut Youth Services Association and the Madison Youth and Family Services to strengthen our local and state safety net, by creating sound public policy to better support our state’s children, elders and families,” Kokoruda said.

“I look forward to continuing these efforts when the 2020 session convenes in February.”

Learn more about Madison Youth & Family Services here.