TriCity Family Services announced that it will honor Lynn Queen, Resident Services Coordinator at Mercy Housing's Batavia Apartments, with the 2026 recipient of the William D. Barth Award.

Queen will be honored at the 42nd annual William D. Barth Award Ceremony and Dinner on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 5-8PM at Riverside Receptions in Geneva.

Established in 1985, the William D. Barth Award recognizes an individual or organization that has made a significant and positive impact on Central Kane County through community service. The award honors the memory of William D. Barth, a founder of TriCity Family Services and dedicated community leader.

As non-profit community mental health agency serving Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, North Aurora, and the surrounding area, TriCity Family Services’ mission is to provide quality mental health services that are accessible to all. Queen embodies that spirit.

According to a release from TCFS, Queen has spent the past seven years helping build a stronger, more connected community for residents of Batavia Apartments, a 290-unit multifamily housing development with 258 apartments subsidized through the HUD Section 8 Program.

As Resident Services Coordinator, she connects residents with resources, programs and opportunities while building relationships with local nonprofits, businesses, volunteers and community organizations.

"Lynn has a remarkable ability to see what people and families need and then bring the right people and resources together to help," said Laura Poss, Executive Director of TriCity Family Services. "She has created countless connections and opportunities for residents of Batavia Apartments, and her impact reaches well beyond the boundaries of the community. She is exactly the kind of community steward the Barth Award was created to recognize."

Among the many ways Queen serves residents and the broader community, she has helped connect Batavia Apartments with food assistance, youth programs, educational opportunities, arts programming, community gardening, volunteer support and other resources.

She also works closely with community partners to create opportunities for residents to build relationships and become active contributors within their community.

"I am honored and humbled to be the recipient of the William D. Barth award, not only for myself, but on behalf of everyone who works alongside me and everyone who believes in the power of community," said Queen, who is also a volunteer for the Boys & Girls Club and member of Batavia Rotary Club. "Thank you, TriCity Family Services, for believing in the work we do and for being a valuable partner to build relationships that create opportunities for people to feel supported, connected, and empowered. I am grateful to serve the community together."

Her commitment to the well-being of residents has also led to a growing partnership between Mercy Housing and TriCity Family Services. TCFS is currently bringing Emotional Wellness programming directly to Batavia Apartments and Constitution House, including youth-focused Emotional Wellness Hours, monthly presentations and groups, and programming on topics such as managing big emotions and anxiety.

TCFS invites the public to join TriCity Family Services in celebrating Queen and her contributions at the 42nd William D. Barth Award Ceremony and Dinner.

The evening will include a complimentary buffet dinner and cash bar, along with the presentation of the 2026 William D. Barth Award.

Community members, local organizations, past Barth Award recipients and friends of TriCity Family Services are encouraged to attend and help celebrate Lynn's commitment to the Batavia community.

Reservations are requested. RSVP here.

Contact Kelsey Boyer at [email protected] or 630-232-1070 with any questions.

Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with questions or comments.

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