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Mission & History
Why we do this work and how we got here.
Our Mission
CYAN of the Northern Tier advances the health, safety, and wellness of children experiencing neglect and abuse in Pennsylvania by empowering Judicial Child Advocates. These community volunteers, appointed by judges, are the most effective tool to ensure children are on the path to permanency.
Our Advocates
Judicial Child Advocates are trained community volunteers appointed by judges to help determine the best path forward for a child experiencing neglect and abuse. Their job is to observe and report on the life of that child, then provide the judge with invaluable information and recommendations.
Our History
In 2025, volunteer child advocacy in Wellsboro was rebuilt as the Tioga and Bradford County Keystone Advocacy Initiative, part of a statewide model in which CYAN of Pennsylvania serves as the umbrella organization, providing shared infrastructure, oversight, and support, while the program stays rooted in its community.
Sherri Turner-Shults joined us as Program Director in late 2025, bringing over 25 years of experience in human services.
On November 5, 2026, we became CYAN of the Northern Tier, serving children in Bradford and Tioga Counties as part of one statewide network under one name.
Milestones
- 2025
The Keystone Advocacy Initiative
The Tioga and Bradford County Keystone Advocacy Initiative begins, with CYAN of Pennsylvania as its umbrella organization.
- 2025
New leadership
Sherri Turner-Shults becomes Program Director.
- 2026
A new name: CYAN
We become CYAN of the Northern Tier, serving children in Bradford and Tioga Counties.
Meet the People Behind the Work
Our staff make this work possible for the children of Bradford and Tioga Counties.
Meet Our Team