A positive influence: Darwin Adams sees a lot of negative things every day in his job as juvenile division investigator for the Streamwood Police Department, where he has worked for 29 years. So when the workday ends, Adams likes to volunteer to help make some good things happen.
“Being a juvenile officer like I am, you see every day where the help is really needed,” he said. “And believe me, a lot of young kids out there need a lot of help. Considering what I do, it seems like volunteering to help the kids is the natural progression of my full-time job.”
In appreciation of his volunteer efforts, Adams was recently named Outstanding Youth Service Board Member by the Illinois Collaboration on Youth. He was honored for his work with the Hanover/Schaumburg Township Youth Services Planning Board and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northwest Cook County, which works with youth service organizations such as The Bridge in Palatine and The Shelter in Arlington Heights.
“I was stunned when I heard about the award, and of course I was very honored, too,” Adams said. “The way I see it, if we can salvage one or two kids, we’re doing something good.”
