Misericordia Student Luke DeRosa Receives Caron’s 2025 Community Youth Leadership Award

Misericordia Student Luke DeRosa Receives Caron’s 2025 Community Youth Leadership Award

DALLAS, Pa. — Luke DeRosa, a 19-year-old social work major at Misericordia University, has been selected to receive the 2025 Community Youth Leadership Award from Caron Treatment Centers.

The award will be presented at Caron’s 27th Annual Greater Pennsylvania Community Awards Breakfast on Friday, September 19, 2025, in Reading, PA.

The Community Youth Leadership Award recognizes a young person who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in addressing substance use disorder through education, mentorship, and direct service. DeRosa was nominated for his work as Lead Certified Recovery Specialist at Woodhaven Recovery, an adolescent extended care program in Factoryville, PA.

At Woodhaven Recovery, DeRosa leads daily groups, provides one-on-one mentorship, and supports family engagement. He holds Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) and Certified Family Recovery Specialist (CFRS) credentials and is actively pursuing professional development in the field. He plans to continue his education with a Master of Social Work following his undergraduate studies.

“Luke’s leadership is marked by humility and heart. He has a gift for connecting with young people and encouraging them to believe in themselves and in the process of recovery. His impact reaches beyond our residents. It extends to families and the broader community,” said Mike Ng, Executive Director of Woodhaven Recovery.

For more information about the event, visit www.caron.org/events.