NORRISTOWN — The Montgomery County Commissioners will present awards to nine residents from throughout Montgomery County at the 19^th Annual Mental Retardation Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, March 14^th.

The luncheon will be held at Presidential Caterers, 2910 DeKalb Pike (at the intersection with Germantown Pike), Norristown, Pennsylvania.

The theme of the event is Making a Difference: Celebrating Everyday Achievements and the guest speaker will be Steven M. Eidelman, Senior Fellow at the Centers for Disabilities Studies, University of Delaware.

Attached is a listing of the award recipients and a brief description of why there were selected. For further information, contact Marguerite Peaschock at (610) 278-3642.

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL AWARD – PATTI BREY – GATEWAY
(Patty resides in Schwenksville, Pa.)

Many parents, individuals receiving services, and colleagues, have nominated Patti Brey for this award. Patti works for Gateway where she supports a full case load of individuals involved in competitive employment. In addition, she facilitates the RISE program which teaches folks life skills and gets them prepared for competitive employment. Patti also volunteers with the Ursinus College chapter of the Best Buddies Program. In the words a parent who is one of her many nominators, “She is a wonderful resource on the job; but more than that she is a dedicated and kind human being who works hard everyday to make life better for challenged people. We are grateful that she is a part of our lives.” 

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL AWARD – DAVID DRIES – HAP, INC.
(David resides in Quakertown, PA)

David has worked in the field of Mental Retardation for 20 years. Since he supports individuals with autism, he has become active in organizations that focus on the approaches that most effectively serve those with autism. He has made his expertise available to co-workers, recently traveling to a home at two o’clock in the morning to lend support to a fellow employee during a crisis. We honor David for his many years of dedicated and professional service.

MANAGEMENT STAFF AWARD – THOMAS GRAHAM – STEP-BY-STEP
(Thomas resides in Royersford, PA)

Recently, when faced with a crisis situation, Thomas’ response was thorough, innovative and family focused. A parent, who had been caring for an adult child, became incapacitated. Thomas not only found appropriate respite, but when the parent was unable to care for her offspring at home, he found a loving, life sharing environment which became the first of its kind at his agency. He worked caringly with the family to assuage their fears and incorporate their needs into the new living arrangement. Excellence and compassion have been the trademarks throughout his career at Step-by-Step.

MANAGEMENT STAFF AWARD – JOYCE REISS AND SETH HODEREWSKI – KENCREST  EMPLOYNET
(Joyce resides in Pottstown, PA) (Seth resides in Coplay, PA)

Last year, Kencrest was asked to develop a new adult training facility for six individuals who had extensive medical and physical support needs. Joyce first met with each individual and their support team to determine what they wanted for their program. Seth was hired as the site facilitator and worked with Joyce to obtain the needed adaptive equipment. Out of their efforts, Kencrest Creations was born. It provided the opportunity to earn money, build self-esteem and increase community presence. Customers who have purchased items have been amazed by the beauty, creativity and skilled craftsmanship of the items. Together they have made the perfect team in creating this much needed program assuring personal choice, community integration and quality of services. 

ADVOCATE/VOLUNTEER AWARD – ALAN COBOURN
(Alan resides in Conshohocken, PA)

There are times that Al just doesn’t know what he may walk into at ALTEC; but after a few clever remarks, and with a smile on his face, he will head to the hardware store to make the needed purchases and return to get the job done. He has saved ALTEC thousands of dollars and has asked nothing in return. Last year, ALTEC opened a new program for older adults with developmental disabilities. For weeks prior to the opening, Al worked on getting the space ready for use. Al’s skills appear never ending as does his fondness for all of the folks at ALTEC.   

PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – KAREN PETERSON (Consumer)
(Karen resides in Norristown, PA)

Karen is pleasant, friendly and hard working. As her supports coordination supervisor says, “When life throws lemons her way, she makes lemonade”. After spending 20 years at Pennhurst, she has maintained her independence in the community for the past 25 years. She is a committed and loving mother to her son. Since May 2002, she has worked full time for a hotel. Karen has always been grateful and appreciative for what others have done for her. Today, we show our appreciation and gratitude for what she has done for her family and her community. 

PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – ROBERT MORANO (Consumer)
(Robert resides in Norristown, PA)

After experiencing family and personal hardships for many years, Robert has worked hard to turn his life around. He has been instrumental in re-uniting his family. He initiates meetings so that they can all be together and he ensures that he speaks to all of them weekly. He lives in a CLA with his roommate and attends a day service program. Robert hopes to find competitive employment in the near future. He attends bible study class every Sunday and dreams of one day becoming a pastor.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD – GREG WINANS
(Greg resides in Blue Bell, PA)

Greg has helped place many individuals of Gateway Employment in competitive jobs. He has provided training sessions for participants to assess their compatibility for work in the food service industry. Greg also serves on the Gateway Business Advisory Council. We thank Greg for recognizing that people with developmental disabilities make effective contributions to the work environment; and for finding innovative ways to make sure they have the opportunity.

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD – STEVEN PRENDERGAST – ABINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

(Steven resides in Willow Grove, PA)

Numerous testimonials from colleagues, parents and students supported Steve’s nomination. Since 1977 he has been a teacher in the Abington School District; students genuinely appreciate his teaching abilities and parents look to him for guidance and support. His efforts include many special sports programs, community based instructional opportunities, Special Olympics, Boy Scouting, the Bell Choir, and advocating for students with public and private entities. His dedication to inclusion in all aspects of the community has enriched the lives of all his students as well as enriching the community.