Awards & Honors
The Cast & Crew of the Emmy® Award-Winning MAPLE AVE episode, 'After I'm Gone' (2013).
Lower Great Lakes Emmy Awards , Emmy Nomination for 'EDGE ST. : Turn in the Road' - (2014)
Lower Great Lakes Emmy Awards , Emmy Award for 'After I'm Gone' - (2013)
Lower Great Lakes Emmy Awards , Emmy Nomination for 'Loves Me Not' - (2013)
Lower Great Lakes Emmy Awards , Emmy Nomination for 'More Than This' - (2013)
Accolade Award - (2012)
Platinum Remi Award - (45th WorldFest-Houston Int'l Film Festival) (2012)
Accolade Award - (2011)
Communicator Award - (2011)
Voice Award Nomination - (2011)
Gold Remi Award -(44th WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival ) (2011)
Accolade Award - (2010)
Aegis Award - (2010)
Platinum Remi Award - (43rd WorldFest-Houston Int'l Film Festival) (2010)
Special Jury Award - Remi - (42nd WorldFest-Houston Int'l Film Festival) (2009)
Telly Award - for AETN-PBS production, 'Hidden Wounds' (built around 'The Hurting') (2009)
Silver Remi Award - (41st WorldFest-Houston Int'l Film Festival) (2008)
Omni Award (2007)
IFC Media Lab Award (2007)
Special Jury Award - Remi (40th WorldFest-Houston Int'l Film Festival) (2007)
Honorable Mention Award (Columbus International Film Festival) (2006)
Gold Remi Award (39th WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival) (2006)
Telly Award (2006)
Mid-Atlantic Emmy Nomination ('Outstanding Youth Programming') (2005)
National Health Information Award (2004)
Mid-Atlantic Emmy Nomination ('Outstanding Youth Programming') (2004)
Gold Telly Award (2004)
Lower Great Lakes Emmy Awards , Emmy Award for 'After I'm Gone' - (2013)
Lower Great Lakes Emmy Awards , Emmy Nomination for 'Loves Me Not' - (2013)
Lower Great Lakes Emmy Awards , Emmy Nomination for 'More Than This' - (2013)
Accolade Award - (2012)
Platinum Remi Award - (45th WorldFest-Houston Int'l Film Festival) (2012)
Accolade Award - (2011)
Communicator Award - (2011)
Voice Award Nomination - (2011)
Gold Remi Award -(44th WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival ) (2011)
Accolade Award - (2010)
Aegis Award - (2010)
Platinum Remi Award - (43rd WorldFest-Houston Int'l Film Festival) (2010)
Special Jury Award - Remi - (42nd WorldFest-Houston Int'l Film Festival) (2009)
Telly Award - for AETN-PBS production, 'Hidden Wounds' (built around 'The Hurting') (2009)
Silver Remi Award - (41st WorldFest-Houston Int'l Film Festival) (2008)
Omni Award (2007)
IFC Media Lab Award (2007)
Special Jury Award - Remi (40th WorldFest-Houston Int'l Film Festival) (2007)
Honorable Mention Award (Columbus International Film Festival) (2006)
Gold Remi Award (39th WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival) (2006)
Telly Award (2006)
Mid-Atlantic Emmy Nomination ('Outstanding Youth Programming') (2005)
National Health Information Award (2004)
Mid-Atlantic Emmy Nomination ('Outstanding Youth Programming') (2004)
Gold Telly Award (2004)
Acclaim
"Other than the occasional "After School Special", there are very few television programs that are devoted to the many challenges teens face in our fast-paced and often confusing world. So I was delighted to see that you are producing a series dealing with serious issues, such as depression and bullying that affect young adults. As I said when we spoke by phone, 'Jenny's Reasons' and 'Ghosts in the Hall', part of the MAPLE AVE series, were two of the finest shows for young people I've ever seen. They honestly address important issues from the teens' point of view without ever feeling contrived or preachy. Your shows are honest and compassionate and, above all, REAL! Kudos to your talented writers and actors! When I watched the preview, I believed in these people and cared about them. To me, that's one of the hallmarks of great programming. I can hardly wait to see the next episode of MAPLE AVE and I'm looking forward to GORDON TERRACE and CEDAR GROVE as well. Many thanks for allowing us to air 'Jenny's Reasons' and 'Ghosts in the Hall' on ThinkBright TV. I know our young viewers and their families will enjoy them as much as I did."
- Goldie Gardner, WNED ThinkBright, Past Program Manager, Buffalo, NY
"I speak at schools quite often, and I can't imagine that anything I could say would be as powerful or as easy for students to relate to as your films."
- Beverly Cobain (cousin to Kurt Cobain), author of the acclaimed book, 'When Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens'
"I personally look for shows that appeal to our kids 12 and up. Shows that talk about the issues they live everyday. Maple Ave / Richard Wilson filled that void. Emotional, real stories that affect us all. These episodes have something for everyone to learn about themselves and for teens to know they are not going through situations alone. These shows are proudly placed on the WGTE Family Channel, Monday nights at 10:30 pm."
- Cathy Kamenca, TV Program Coordinator, WGTE Public Media, Toledo, OH
"Maple Ave. Films “The Hurting: Cutting for Relief” was well received!!!! This show reached the public in ways in which we may never know. I do know that we helped someone that night, and for that I’m grateful. Thank you so much for producing a program such as this. We did receive several calls. ... We had great interviews and everything was flawless. .... On behalf of MPT I thank you deeply from my heart. I’ve learned so much. Keep in touch. You’re an amazing producer."
- Genaye Channel-Robinson, Assistant Producer, Maryland Public Television
"I had a chance to watch the Maryland Public Television (MPT) Special on Self-Injury and Cutting and I have to say it was an incredible hour of education and attention to a very serious topic. I think the directors of the drama did a great job and MPT really did their job bring quality programming to the public regarding a topic that is very sensitive and typically never discussed."
- Kevin Strauss, President - www.familyejournal.com
"I want to compliment you on Maple Ave. It's a wonderful series. Thanks so much for letting me know about it."
- Miranda Barry, Senior Director, Sesame in Schools at Sesame Workshop
"WFWA Fort Wayne, IN is thrilled to have 'Jenny's Reasons' and 'Ghosts in the Hall' available to us. We plan to schedule both shows and follow them up with local call-ins offering local expert advice to teens and parents and highlight local resources available. These are the only programs we've found that speak to both audiences and we are very impressed by the quality."
- Claudia Johnson, Operations Division Manager, WFWA, Fort Wayne, IN
"Out of hundreds of programs available for broadcast from various distributors and independent producers, it's nearly impossible to find programming for adolescents. Thanks to OutreachArts I have access to quality films that capture the attention of adolescent viewers and deliver a positive message."
- Golden Thomas, Manager of 'City 12' Public Television (in partnership w/ WXXI & the city of Rochester, NY)
"I loved the show. The 'Maple Ave' program on teen suicide ('Jenny's Reasons') provides compelling and realistic insight into the events and emotions that can lead to suicide. The program provides a springboard for focus groups, classroom discussion and family conversations about recognizing the warning signals and offering support to teens who are contemplating suicide. 'Maple Ave' provides a venue for parents, teens and the greater community to connect and learn."
- Danielle Heiny ,KSMQ Station Manager, Austin, MN
"Richard: as you know, AETN has previewed the first two MAPLE AVE episodes, "Jenny's Reasons" & "Ghosts in the Hall." We found both productions to be focused on issues of importance to the targeted audience. We appreciate you making them available for our broadcast and hope you are successful in securing the financial resources to continue the series. We look forward to seeing additional episodes."
- Kathy Atkinson, Director of Programming, AETN, Conway, AR
"The 'Maple Ave' series is comprised of films that encompass highly identifiable social concerns that are in need of exposure within our local communities. How else can we expose our younger/teenage viewers to these real life situations that they can then learn from? Outreach Arts provides us the opportunity to do just this. The 'Maple Ave' series also identifies with the adults that are struggling through these trivial times who may not comprehend how to cope with the situation. This series has the potential to help people in awful situations, that may have never have received help at all."
- Leslie O'Hara, Educational Services Mgr., WPBS-TV, Watertown, NY
"I just watched 'Jenny's Reasons' and was very moved by it. These are such complex times - hard for adults to navigate so it must be especially difficult for teens. This video provides a wonderful opportunity to have dialog with teens about depression and the emotions they are feeling. I liked the fact that the depression Jenny was feeling was hard for her to understand and that it illustrated the guilt that she felt over feeling depressed when "so many others in the world face much worse." This video and the others in the 'Maple Ave' collection offer us unique opportunities to address real issues that teenagers face in today's complex world. These can serve as teaching tools that harness the power of television and address a real issue that is often not understood. I know that various community agencies that work with teenagers would find these resources invaluable. Thanks again for sending them."
- Kim Kelling Engstrom, Education and Outreach Manager, WFSU, Tallahassee, FL
"WSKG's Educational Advisory Committee viewed the two episodes of 'Maple Ave' and felt it depicted, in a real way, some issues teens are facing. They felt the series could provide an impetus for discussion among teens, teens and parents, teens and teacher, as well as teens and counselors."
- Carolyn A. Weston, Educational Services Coordinator, WSKG Public Television Binghamton, NY
"I was highly impressed with the production and acting quality in 'Jenny's Reasons' and 'Ghosts in the Hall'. I think the content within these programs provides a good look into the reality of what kids are going through these days. It's been hard to find a drama series that focuses on the youth today and I want to thank OutreachArts for helping to fill that void. I hope and look forward to seeing more 'Maple Ave' episodes in the future."
- Val M.B. VanderSluis, Director of Programming, KTWU, Channel 11 (Topeka, Kansas)
"Thanks for making JENNY'S REASONS and GHOSTS IN THE HALL available to WHYY for air. We are looking forward to airing them in the appropriate timeslot and hope you are able to create more films in your MAPLE AVE series. Please keep us in the loop. Thanks again."
- David Rubinsohn, Past Dir. of TV Programming, WHYY-TV, Wilmington, DE
"'Maple Ave' is an important drama series that touches on what is happening with the youth of today. Addressing these issues with this drama series gives kids the opportunity to see a positive outcome and know that there is help out there. Outreach Arts is exposing a very pressing issue in our community that WYBE's viewers have experienced and enjoyed learning from."
- Joni C. Helton, Past Director of Programming, WYBE Public Television, Philadelphia, PA
"When I was Programming full-time I came across numerous independent producers who had great programs/series for acquisition. One that always popped to me was the MAPLE AVE series from OutreachArts. The shorts were put together with masterful care, covering hard line topics that are pertinent to tweens. There are few series like MAPLE AVE - and I do encourage a preview…"
- Jim Connors, Past Programming Director, WNED-PBS
"MAPLE AVE really opened my eyes to the many issues that teens face today. It's been a few years - well, more like several years - since I was a teenager, and their issues are really a lot more complex today than when I was their age! MAPLE AVE's shows are very informative for anyone wanting to understand today's youth, and especially for someone working with teens like I currently do."
- Wendy Winks, Regional Director Southern California, Paul Green School of Rock Music
"When I watched the series on WNED in Buffalo, I enjoyed the simple message and powerful storylines. ...thank you for producing such a well-crafted series."
- Chukwunonso IIogu, PBS Viewer
"I grew up surrounded by the many issues your videos face, especially depression and self injury, I just wanted to say the videos are really good, they hit really close to home (made me cry) This is tough stuff..... Things DO get better, which is the reason WHY I like your videos, they provide Hope, and THAT's what more youth need to witness…"
- Ashley R., 'Maple Ave' DVD viewer
- Goldie Gardner, WNED ThinkBright, Past Program Manager, Buffalo, NY
"I speak at schools quite often, and I can't imagine that anything I could say would be as powerful or as easy for students to relate to as your films."
- Beverly Cobain (cousin to Kurt Cobain), author of the acclaimed book, 'When Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens'
"I personally look for shows that appeal to our kids 12 and up. Shows that talk about the issues they live everyday. Maple Ave / Richard Wilson filled that void. Emotional, real stories that affect us all. These episodes have something for everyone to learn about themselves and for teens to know they are not going through situations alone. These shows are proudly placed on the WGTE Family Channel, Monday nights at 10:30 pm."
- Cathy Kamenca, TV Program Coordinator, WGTE Public Media, Toledo, OH
"Maple Ave. Films “The Hurting: Cutting for Relief” was well received!!!! This show reached the public in ways in which we may never know. I do know that we helped someone that night, and for that I’m grateful. Thank you so much for producing a program such as this. We did receive several calls. ... We had great interviews and everything was flawless. .... On behalf of MPT I thank you deeply from my heart. I’ve learned so much. Keep in touch. You’re an amazing producer."
- Genaye Channel-Robinson, Assistant Producer, Maryland Public Television
"I had a chance to watch the Maryland Public Television (MPT) Special on Self-Injury and Cutting and I have to say it was an incredible hour of education and attention to a very serious topic. I think the directors of the drama did a great job and MPT really did their job bring quality programming to the public regarding a topic that is very sensitive and typically never discussed."
- Kevin Strauss, President - www.familyejournal.com
"I want to compliment you on Maple Ave. It's a wonderful series. Thanks so much for letting me know about it."
- Miranda Barry, Senior Director, Sesame in Schools at Sesame Workshop
"WFWA Fort Wayne, IN is thrilled to have 'Jenny's Reasons' and 'Ghosts in the Hall' available to us. We plan to schedule both shows and follow them up with local call-ins offering local expert advice to teens and parents and highlight local resources available. These are the only programs we've found that speak to both audiences and we are very impressed by the quality."
- Claudia Johnson, Operations Division Manager, WFWA, Fort Wayne, IN
"Out of hundreds of programs available for broadcast from various distributors and independent producers, it's nearly impossible to find programming for adolescents. Thanks to OutreachArts I have access to quality films that capture the attention of adolescent viewers and deliver a positive message."
- Golden Thomas, Manager of 'City 12' Public Television (in partnership w/ WXXI & the city of Rochester, NY)
"I loved the show. The 'Maple Ave' program on teen suicide ('Jenny's Reasons') provides compelling and realistic insight into the events and emotions that can lead to suicide. The program provides a springboard for focus groups, classroom discussion and family conversations about recognizing the warning signals and offering support to teens who are contemplating suicide. 'Maple Ave' provides a venue for parents, teens and the greater community to connect and learn."
- Danielle Heiny ,KSMQ Station Manager, Austin, MN
"Richard: as you know, AETN has previewed the first two MAPLE AVE episodes, "Jenny's Reasons" & "Ghosts in the Hall." We found both productions to be focused on issues of importance to the targeted audience. We appreciate you making them available for our broadcast and hope you are successful in securing the financial resources to continue the series. We look forward to seeing additional episodes."
- Kathy Atkinson, Director of Programming, AETN, Conway, AR
"The 'Maple Ave' series is comprised of films that encompass highly identifiable social concerns that are in need of exposure within our local communities. How else can we expose our younger/teenage viewers to these real life situations that they can then learn from? Outreach Arts provides us the opportunity to do just this. The 'Maple Ave' series also identifies with the adults that are struggling through these trivial times who may not comprehend how to cope with the situation. This series has the potential to help people in awful situations, that may have never have received help at all."
- Leslie O'Hara, Educational Services Mgr., WPBS-TV, Watertown, NY
"I just watched 'Jenny's Reasons' and was very moved by it. These are such complex times - hard for adults to navigate so it must be especially difficult for teens. This video provides a wonderful opportunity to have dialog with teens about depression and the emotions they are feeling. I liked the fact that the depression Jenny was feeling was hard for her to understand and that it illustrated the guilt that she felt over feeling depressed when "so many others in the world face much worse." This video and the others in the 'Maple Ave' collection offer us unique opportunities to address real issues that teenagers face in today's complex world. These can serve as teaching tools that harness the power of television and address a real issue that is often not understood. I know that various community agencies that work with teenagers would find these resources invaluable. Thanks again for sending them."
- Kim Kelling Engstrom, Education and Outreach Manager, WFSU, Tallahassee, FL
"WSKG's Educational Advisory Committee viewed the two episodes of 'Maple Ave' and felt it depicted, in a real way, some issues teens are facing. They felt the series could provide an impetus for discussion among teens, teens and parents, teens and teacher, as well as teens and counselors."
- Carolyn A. Weston, Educational Services Coordinator, WSKG Public Television Binghamton, NY
"I was highly impressed with the production and acting quality in 'Jenny's Reasons' and 'Ghosts in the Hall'. I think the content within these programs provides a good look into the reality of what kids are going through these days. It's been hard to find a drama series that focuses on the youth today and I want to thank OutreachArts for helping to fill that void. I hope and look forward to seeing more 'Maple Ave' episodes in the future."
- Val M.B. VanderSluis, Director of Programming, KTWU, Channel 11 (Topeka, Kansas)
"Thanks for making JENNY'S REASONS and GHOSTS IN THE HALL available to WHYY for air. We are looking forward to airing them in the appropriate timeslot and hope you are able to create more films in your MAPLE AVE series. Please keep us in the loop. Thanks again."
- David Rubinsohn, Past Dir. of TV Programming, WHYY-TV, Wilmington, DE
"'Maple Ave' is an important drama series that touches on what is happening with the youth of today. Addressing these issues with this drama series gives kids the opportunity to see a positive outcome and know that there is help out there. Outreach Arts is exposing a very pressing issue in our community that WYBE's viewers have experienced and enjoyed learning from."
- Joni C. Helton, Past Director of Programming, WYBE Public Television, Philadelphia, PA
"When I was Programming full-time I came across numerous independent producers who had great programs/series for acquisition. One that always popped to me was the MAPLE AVE series from OutreachArts. The shorts were put together with masterful care, covering hard line topics that are pertinent to tweens. There are few series like MAPLE AVE - and I do encourage a preview…"
- Jim Connors, Past Programming Director, WNED-PBS
"MAPLE AVE really opened my eyes to the many issues that teens face today. It's been a few years - well, more like several years - since I was a teenager, and their issues are really a lot more complex today than when I was their age! MAPLE AVE's shows are very informative for anyone wanting to understand today's youth, and especially for someone working with teens like I currently do."
- Wendy Winks, Regional Director Southern California, Paul Green School of Rock Music
"When I watched the series on WNED in Buffalo, I enjoyed the simple message and powerful storylines. ...thank you for producing such a well-crafted series."
- Chukwunonso IIogu, PBS Viewer
"I grew up surrounded by the many issues your videos face, especially depression and self injury, I just wanted to say the videos are really good, they hit really close to home (made me cry) This is tough stuff..... Things DO get better, which is the reason WHY I like your videos, they provide Hope, and THAT's what more youth need to witness…"
- Ashley R., 'Maple Ave' DVD viewer