JusticeWorks YouthCare Wins 17 Telly Awards for Original Film “Perseverance: From the Jailhouse to the Whitehouse”

Prestigious honors place JusticeWorks alongside leading global media brands, including Pixar, ESPN, NASA, and MTV Entertainment Studios!

PITTSBURGH, PA—JusticeWorks YouthCare is proud to announce that its original film, Perseverance: From the Jailhouse to the Whitehouse, created to celebrate the organization’s 25th anniversary, has received 17 Telly Awards. This remarkable achievement places JusticeWorks among the top creative and production talents in the world.

With more than 13,000 entries submitted globally, this year’s Telly Awards recognized excellence in video and television across all screens, judged by industry leaders from top platforms, including Roku, Patreon, BBDO New York, Pluto TV, and the Martin Agency. JusticeWorks was honored with:

  • 2 Gold Telly Awards, including one for General Documentary and a People’s Choice Award, a reflection of widespread public support and the powerful voter engagement inspired by the film.
  • 15 Silver and Bronze Telly Awards across various categories, including Workplace Culture and Business & Entrepreneurship, celebrating JusticeWorks’ dynamic storytelling and organizational impact.

President and CEO of JusticeWorks YouthCare, Dan Heit, shared his enthusiasm with the JusticeWorks 700+ staff:

“I’m thrilled to tell you that our film has won 17 Telly Awards! The People’s Choice Award especially reflects the passion and unity in our get-out-the-vote efforts. Like all things JusticeWorks, when we work hard together, we achieve great outcomes. We’re honored to be recognized alongside industry giants like ESPN, National Geographic, and the Smithsonian. This film was a labor of love, and I’m grateful to everyone who made it possible, especially producers Michael DiLauro and Jay Warhola, as well as Ryan and Theo, whose powerful stories are the heart of the film.”

Telly Awards Managing Director Amanda Needham emphasized the evolving nature of the industry:

“Our industry is experimenting with new technologies like never before, shaping truly compelling stories to draw attention to some of the world’s most pressing issues. The Telly Awards is uniquely positioned to meet the industry where it’s actually making work, be that on television or TikTok.”

Perseverance: From the Jailhouse to the Whitehouse tells a candid and emotional story of transformation, resilience, and the ongoing fight for opportunity and justice. The film’s impact reflects JusticeWorks’ mission to do “Whatever It Takes” for children and families nationwide.

The JusticeWorks team celebrates this accomplishment as a reflection of every staff member’s hard work and passion. “Even if you didn’t appear in the film, your work and dedication made this story possible,” Dan Heit added.

The full-length film Perseverance: From the Jailhouse to the Whitehouse is now available to watch on our website at www.JusticeWorksYouthCare.com.

About JusticeWorks YouthCare:
Founded in 1999, JusticeWorks YouthCare is a leading human services agency dedicated to building better futures for youth, families, and communities through innovative and accountable programs. Focusing on Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice programming, JusticeWorks partners with public and private agencies to provide impactful and cost-effective services across multiple states.