10/27/2026
Join us in congratulating Willie (r), who was one of two recipients of the Ren Svanoe Award! The Ren Svanoe Award (given annually at the Wisconsin Association for Homeless and Runaway Services Conference) recognizes individuals whose careers reflect extraordinary dedication to youth in crisis. Willie exemplifies these qualities through his compassionate service, leadership, and enduring commitment to improving the lives of young people. His impact can be seen not only in the programs he supports, but in the countless youth, families, colleagues, and community partners whose lives have been positively influenced by his work.
The award is named after Mr. Svanoe as a tribute to his lifelong commitment to supporting youth in crisis. Ren was the first acting director of Briarpatch! After serving in that capacity for ten years, Ren spent the next ten years working on a statewide level with programs in his role as Assistant Director for the WI Association for Runaway Services. During the twenty years he committed to youth and families, Ren demonstrated unlimited dedication to his work. When he retired, WAHRS membership honored him by naming a lifelong achievement award in his name to be given to individuals who demonstrated the same passion for working with youth.
