and appearances around the country, Dave will
engage the Harrisburg community by sharing stories of how he overcame tragic childhood to weave together a healthy and
successful adulthood. In addition, he will pay tribute to the people he calls the “real heroes” – those employed in the foster
care and adoption system who receive little attention or reward for their important and life-changing work. Dave knows
first-hand how these people affect the lives of the children who need it the most. It is a heart-felt and emotional program
that promises to inspire all of us to rise above our shortcomings and fulfill our greatest potential.
Dave’s admirers include individuals, social service employees, therapists and guidance counselors, many of whom have
faced similar experiences and gained strength and comfort from his books. His most recent book, Help Yourself for Teens
aims to assist young adults navigate their way through the challenges that present themselves during these often confusing
times, and a new book geared toward adults is scheduled for release in June 2008. Fans can also listen to Dave’s words of
inspiration via his weekly internet radio show broadcast live every Friday at 1PM EST at www.voiceamerica.com. More
information is available on his web site, www.davepelzer.com.
Now respected across the globe for his spirit of tenacity, Dave has surmounted some truly horrific obstacles. After years
of suffering extreme abuse at the hands of his mentally disturbed, alcoholic mother, his case was identified as one of the
most extreme in California’s history. At age 12, Dave was finally rescued by social workers and placed in a series of foster
homes until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 18. As a member of the armed forces, Dave served in the first Gulf
War. While on active duty, Dave still made time to give of himself, and in 1990, he received the JC Penney Golden Rule
Award, making him the California Volunteer of the Year.
Presidents Reagan, Clinton and both Bushes have commended Dave’s accomplishments. In 1993, Dave was honored as
one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans by the U.S. Jaycees, joining a distinguished group that includes John F.
Kennedy, Anne Bancroft and Christopher Reeves. In 1994, Dave was the only American to be named one of The
Outstanding Young Persons of the World by the Junior Chamber International. In 1996, he carried the coveted centennial
flame for the Olympic Games, and in 2005 he received the National Jefferson Award. Other alumni of this award include
Colin Powell, Sandra Day O’Connor and Bob Hope.
Dave is truly a self-made man, an optimist who demonstrates resilience, service to mankind, personal responsibility and
faith in humanity. Dave’s unique outlook on life, coupled with his wit and sense of humor, encourages all of us to
overcome any challenge and live life to its fullest.
Jewish Family Service of Greater Harrisburg is a not-for-profit agency dedicated to preserving and strengthening the
quality of life for individuals and families, regardless of background or ability to pay. From therapeutic counseling to
adoption/foster care placement to programs for seniors, JFS has developed the reputation as a primary social service
provider in Central Pennsylvania. Its latest program, Mynd Works, provides treatment and therapy for children and young
adults facing learning and emotional challenges.
