Mike Sawyer is a native of Virginia Beach, and a graduate of
Randolph Macon
College. He worked as a juvenile probation officer in the City of Chesapeake from 1978 to early 1980, but quickly developed an interest in residential services. In an effort
to prepare for a career change, Mike and some friends purchased a Virginia Beach Texaco Station in 1980; but two years later
Mike became Assistant Director of the Tidewater Regional Group Home. In 1996, he was promoted to Director of the Crisis Intervention
Home; and in 2002, Mike became Director of the Apartment Living Program.
Co-workers say that Mike
is “fair, understanding, patient, and wonderful with kids.” Mike also “allows staff to use their own judgment
regarding decisions,” and “is always willing to allow staff to bring new ideas to the table.” “He
is approachable, and a true advocate for our clients." Mike is described as a “true ‘gentle’ man; honest,
trustworthy, a lover of youth, and loyal to friends and the job.”
Mike loves to sing, and
once sang lead in a North Carolina police group with Officer Bob singing back-up. He is the self-proclaimed shuffle board champ in
the City of Williamsburg, and one of the few New York Yankees fans living below the Mason-Dixon
Line. Mike and his wife Sissy have three children: Brooke; Katie; and
Ben.
VJJA is proud to present
its 2004 Meritorious Service Award for Residential Services to Mike Sawyer.
