This month, Valley Youth House is celebrating the retirement of Ken Klein, Senior Vice President of Programs, and his 13 years of service to youth and families across Pennsylvania.

Ken received his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer and Informational Science from Temple University, and later received his Master’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling from Moravian University’s Theological Seminary. During his time studying at Moravian, he even crossed paths with fellow students who worked at Valley Youth House like Kyle Borowski, Associate Director of Child Welfare and Clinical Services

Having cultivated a successful career in the corporate world, Ken came to Valley Youth House in 2012 seeking a meaningful way to give back. While he initially joined as an intern, he quickly realized that his work with the agency was not a transition into retirement, but the beginning of his most impactful chapter yet. 

Driven by a dedication to the young people we serve, Ken’s role grew rapidly. He pivoted from on-call support staff to clinical roles and leadership positions, eventually rising to Senior Vice President of Programs. 

Over his 13 years at Valley Youth House, Ken never shied away from a challenge and was responsible for:

• Managing the consolidation of five separate offices into our current administrative location on High Point Boulevard in Bethlehem
• Managing our Lancaster County programs and overseeing the entire Central Pennsylvania region
• Establishing new programs for Valley Youth House like York County Adolescents Achieving Independence (AAI)
• Assisting the development of our internal Trauma Response Team (TRT), an internal resource designed to provide immediate and short-term trauma support for staff following critical incidents

Rob Mott, Associate Director of Dauphin & Perry County Programs said, “Ken was a great advisor for me. He gave me the tools I need for next steps in my career. Ken will be missed, but his legacy here at Valley Youth House will be felt for years to come.”

Around the start of the pandemic, Ken, in partnership with Alycha Boehm, former THRIVE Program Supervisor, and Megan Sell, who is currently the Director of our Lehigh Valley Residential Programming, had the idea of creating a home for youth who had been trafficked. Ken and his team completed the Department of Justice (DOJ) application, and the THRIVE Program at the Sasso House became a reality. For Ken and his team, THRIVE was a labor of love and commitment. During the pandemic, there were many sleepless nights spent ensuring this program would become the success and lifeline it is now.

“I had the pleasure of working directly with Ken for many years,” said Megan Sell, Director of Lehigh Valley Residential Programming. “He cares about people deeply and his dedication for the mission of the agency is evident in his work. The impact he has made at VYH is widespread and he will be greatly missed.”

Despite these monumental achievements, Ken’s colleagues would say that he is not one to boast. “He prioritizes relationships. He genuinely lifts others up, and works to support folks as they grow and develop. And many people express their deep gratitude for his support, guidance and leadership, myself included,” said Lisa Weingartner, Valley Youth House’s Executive Vice President for Programs, during Ken’s retirement celebration luncheon. 

We are deeply grateful for Ken’s years of service to Valley Youth House, and wish him continued happiness in his retirement years!