By CHASE BOTTORF cbottorf@lockhaven.com 

LOCK HAVEN - Friends, family and coworkers gathered around to celebrate the life of Hope Mitchell during a pavilion dedication Tuesday at the Clinton County Piper Building.

Named The Hope Pavilion, it will be continuously used to help families through Children and Youth Services as Mitchell did for many years before her death on April 13, 2023. She had worked for the Clinton County Children and Youth Services since August of 2009. Since then she had touched the lives of those around her. Many faces attended Tuesday's ceremony. That many shared their memories and condolences of Mitchell, and her life of helping others.

"She was a champion for good and was well loved and respected by so many. She had the gift of communication, specifically the ability to communicate respectfully and calmly, but also firmly during times of crisis. This ability served her during her career here in social work and often resulted in individuals, specifically asking for her by name during times of crisis," Tristan Rock, the Assistant director for Children and Youth, expressed.

Mitchell had transitioned into the position of Independent Living Coordinator in October of 2022. She had also served on the Clinton County Housing Authority Board for many years and served as the chaplain at the Clinton County Correctional Facility for over four years.

The pavilion, now dedicated to her, was used to hold family and crisis meetings with clients. According to Autumn Bower, the Assistant Director of Clinton County's Children and Youth, she used it to keep families together in order to promote a positive change and to empower kids and families.

"She did this with grace and honesty. This pavilion will continue to be used for these types of meetings and I know Hope's presence will be felt at those times. Hope brought hope to others on a daily basis. Today, we dedicate this pavilion in Hope's name and her honor," she expressed.

Adorned on the pavilion is a plaque with a quote by Mitchell saying, "Enjoy this beautiful day with your family, friends and loved ones. Hug one another, laugh, forgive and make memories. These are the priceless things."

And her friends, family and fellow Clinton County Government employees did just that and shared their fond memories of her.

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