United Way of Porter County has recognized Rocco Schiralli, Executive Vice President for Porter-Starke Services, Inc., as the "2008 Outstanding Agency Professional".  This award, which includes a $500 stipend for continuing education, was announced at United Way's Annual Campaign Celebration and honors a health and human service agency professional who demonstrates extraordinary care and concern.   



 

"Rocky is a tireless advocate for the mentally ill and chemically addicted," stated Sharon Kish, President of United Way of Porter County.  Schiralli has played an integral role in addressing the drug problem in Porter County by establishing an intensive outpatient program for the Porter County Jail inmates, the majority who are incarcerated because of addiction problems.  He also championed the need for a methadone clinic in the community, which successfully opened its doors in February, 2008.

A strong community member, Schiralli has served on the Caring Place Board of Directors for over seven years.  He and Porter-Starke Services CEO, David Lomaka, collaborated with The Caring Place on The Women's Recovery Home. This collaboration earned both agencies the prestigious Porter County Community Foundation Agency of the Year Award in 2006. 

Not only is Schiralli an accomplished professional, but he also is a gifted artist whose murals can be seen throughout Porter County in places such as restaurants and schools.  He has generously donated his artwork to many organizations for special events and silent auctions.  "His compassion and dedication to improve the quality of life in our community, and his willingness to collaborate and work with other providers, make him an outstanding representative of all the dedicated professionals who work in the United Way system," added Kish.

United Way of Porter County improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of the Porter County community through financial and volunteer resource development. United Way invests contributions in programs and services that save and change more than 62,000 lives in Porter County each year.