During its Annual Meeting on Monday, June 24, the Board of Directors and staff of Newtown Youth & Family Services (NYFS) honored those who have helped the town and the nonprofit mental health clinic and youth service bureau throughout the last year.

Chairman of the Board of Directors Tom Murtha announced each of the awards and recognized retiring board members — Maureen Birden, Rosalie Newman, Leslie Polseno, and Jim Solomon — for their service during the event.

The H.D. Bassett Award was given to Kids in Crisis of Cos Cob, which provides counseling and shelter for infants, children, and teens, according to its website. Mr Murtha said Kids in Crisis helped NYFS staff and the Newtown community following the events of 12/14.

The Outstanding Youth Award was given to Newtown High School 2013 graduate Rachel DiVanno, who could not attend the annual meeting due to being in Norristown, Penn., to assist her church camp group with  workcamp efforts.

The Gail Smith Awards, which recognizes both an adult and youth each year, were awarded to Maureen Birden, as the adult recipient, and Ashley Mele. Gail Smith was the co-founder of the Newtown Youth Services.

NYFS Clinical Director Jill Pluta earned the Employee Appreciation Award.