News

The Arc of St. Clair County recently held its 22nd Annual Recognition Night “Each Path is a Life Journey”. Each year The Arc recognizes local businesses, volunteers, and mental health professionals for their support as well as staff and men and women of The Arc.

The Community Service Award: The City of St. Clair. Trice Hawkins, Recreation Director, and Police Chief Rick Jefferson provides The Arc River District access to the Commu¬nity Building for classes and community based activities and the use of the Special Police Building for an Arc participant to begin a supported self-employment shredding busi¬ness. A second business and additional community based activities begin soon at the community building.

The Volunteer Service Award: Dennis Boley is a volunteer with a big heart. He is the DJ at the May Ball, dances and parties with Karaoke. He sets the mood for fun by encouraging expressive dancing, and sharing the mic for singing. Dennis said, “This award is nothing compared to what I get in return—the smiles and enjoyment is enough.”

The Employer of the Year Award: St. Clair Packaging Inc. Senior Vice President, Alan Miotke, and Government Sales, Matt Frazer see the value of employing persons with disability by providing an adaptive worksite and partner with the Arc as a Community Employment Program site. Currently, they employ three individuals with disabilities in a supportive work envi¬ronment. Matt Frazer and Sales Manager Dave Harrington customize work duties and provide ideas and informa¬tion to supported employment through environmental friendly practices and helpful advice to a striving entrepreneur of the Arc

The Professional Service Award: Dr. Malachy Browne has served nearly 22 years as the CMH staff psychiatrist and per¬sonal counselor for many Arc participants. He patiently diagnoses the emotional, the behavioral and the psychological needs of Arc participants followed by caring treatment for those individuals and personalized direction for Arc staff regarding the individuals they serve.

The Inclusive Education Network Award: John F. Farrell-Emmett Elementary School for their successful efforts in inclusive education. Led by Cindy Monarch, the inclusion of special education students with general education students produced a positive, beneficial experience for all. Students learned acceptance, compassion and empathy. Inclusion benefits moved from the classroom friendships to invitations to birthday parties and participation on local baseball teams with other children. The teacher’s statement is “Every child can and should have the opportu¬nity to learn and grow no matter what the cost.”

The Violet R. Jolly Memorial Staff of the Year Award: Kathleen Ward for her willing attitude and positive demeanor. She tirelessly supports those she serves at the Arc and fellow employees. Kathy cares for each person as if they were her own family and no matter what the task, she is the first to offer assistance.

The Very Important Person (VIP) Awards where presented to those men and women of the Arc through their achievements and through their contribution to the wellbeing of the Arc. Enriching Community Life – Chris Edmonds and Kim London; Life Skills – Gina Kribbs and Tom Radatz; Community Employment Program – David Bell and Danielle Thompson; Work Activity Program – Cindy Montgomery and Cliff Reschke; River District Program – Kevin Hardman.

The Work Preparatory Awards: Bonnie Schneider and Kevin Tackaberry.

The Arc is a non-profit organization founded in 1955 to serve persons with developmental disability. For further information, please call (810) 982-3261.