Trushel recipient of area award

TRUSHEL RECEIVES AWARD — At left, Amy Lingerfelt, left, director and advocate of A Caring Place Child Advocacy Center, was among those in attendance during an award ceremony held for Linda Trushel, this year’s award recipient of the Helen Carrocci Child Advocate Award. At right, Trushel was congratulated by staff and board members of the nonprofit, along with area professionals and her family. Among those in attendance were, from left, Courtney Mason, Trushel and Katie Forsythe. -- Contributed
STEUBENVILLE — A Caring Place Child Advocacy Center recognized Linda Trushel with the Helen Carrocci Child Advocate Award. The award was established in 2011 to honor the memory of Carrocci, who began her advocacy career as a Girl Scout leader in 1957 and worked as a Jefferson County deputy sheriff juvenile officer, investigating child abuse cases among other duties.
She served as the facilitator of the Jefferson County Multi-disciplinary Team for Child Sexual Abuse and was on the board of directors for the Jefferson County Children Services Board, where she served as president.
Carrocci was a driving force in establishing A Caring Place Child Advocacy Center in 2002, where she served as the first president of the board. Those close to her have said “For Helen, her reward was not earthly. Her reward for all her suffering and sacrifices was that she had fully followed the burning mission of her heart to be an advocate for our children.”
To be eligible for this award, the work of the nominee must directly impact Jefferson County, organizers explained. The nominee must have a major contribution to the development and success of the Jefferson County Multi-disciplinary Team, A Caring Place Child Advocacy Center or the children of Jefferson County.
Recipients must have exhibited an unending commitment to the welfare of children in Jefferson County, as well.

This year, the honor was awarded to Trushel, who was nominated by Jennifer Yasho of Jefferson County Child Protective Services.
Yasho had this to say about Trushel: “Linda Trushel served as a registered nurse from 1973-2024. During her time in nursing, Linda worked in Steubenville and Pittsburgh, and was an oncology nurse for children. She also served as a school nurse with Harrison Hills City School District. Linda has long had a calling for children and their well-being, and started the Help Me Grow program in Harrison County. She started as a home visitor and wrote countless grants to get the program off the ground. The program in Harrison County became so successful, Linda was asked to take over Carroll, Jefferson and Belmont counties. Linda served in Help Me Grow for 30 years. Linda also served on the Harrison and Jefferson County Family and Children First Council. She gave up the Harrison County position to start the Engage and OhioRISE programs, which serve youth with complex behavioral health needs. Linda remains the director of OhioRISE, as well as Jefferson County Children and Family First Council. After serving her community for more than 50 years, Linda is looking to retire from her position with OhioRISE, but maintain her role as director of the Family and Children First Council and continue to work with local families in Jefferson County through the Engage program. Linda has a heart for children and to best ensure they and their families have the necessary resources to give them the best life possible.”
A small reception was held Dec. 17 in Trushel’s honor. In attendance were the staff and board of directors of A Caring Place, local professionals and her family. She shared a deep gratitude and appreciation for the others doing this work. She expressed a desire for the community to know there are many professionals in local agencies doing work for the benefit of children.
Officials with A Caring Place Child Advocacy Center said they are proud to recognize Trushel with this honor.
- TRUSHEL RECEIVES AWARD — At left, Amy Lingerfelt, left, director and advocate of A Caring Place Child Advocacy Center, was among those in attendance during an award ceremony held for Linda Trushel, this year’s award recipient of the Helen Carrocci Child Advocate Award. At right, Trushel was congratulated by staff and board members of the nonprofit, along with area professionals and her family. Among those in attendance were, from left, Courtney Mason, Trushel and Katie Forsythe. — Contributed