Count us in: Wrentham Resident to be Honored for Work With HEMA

LOCAL RESIDENTS TO BE HONORED AT 23RD ANNUAL AWARDS NIGHT

Employees, volunteers, providers, friends and individuals with developmental disabilities to be celebrated for their dedication, passion and commitment

FRANKLIN –  HMEA, a large human services provider that serves individuals with developmental disabilities across Central and Southeastern Massachusetts, will honor employees, volunteers, providers, friends of the agency and the individuals it supports at its 23rd Annual Awards Night on Thursday, October 4th, at 6:30pm at the Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center in Milford.

“This event is a chance to honor our community -- the talented and dedicated staff, providers, and friends as well as the courageous and hardworking individuals who they serve,” said Michael Moloney, HMEA’s CEO.   “On October 4th, for one day, we pause for a moment and say ‘thank you.’”

Sue DeBlois of Norton, a residential coordinator for HMEA will receive the Kevin McMullen Award for demonstrating 100 percent commitment to the people HMEA supports and for seeing the very best in every person and every situation.

Jeanne Clapper, Program Director for Family Services of Holliston and Doug MacPherson, Vice President, Development and Public Relations, of Medway, will receive the HMEA Award given to employees who can be counted upon for consistent, outstanding contributions and who possess energy, enthusiasm and commitment to high standards.

Shana Brien, of Manville, RI, a job developer for HMEA’s Southern Employment Services, Paul Waterhouse, of Millbury, direct support staff at HMEA’s Holliston Street location in Norfolk, and Jon Rosenfeld of Sutton, a lead classroom assistant at HMEA’s Darnell School in Hudson, will receive the Board of Directors Award given to staff members who have significantly enriched the lives of people they support in the areas of fostering meaningful relationships, increasing community participation and teaching new skills.

The HMEA Clinical Team will receive the HMEA Team Award given to a team of employees who work effectively, efficiently and proactively together to benefit all of the individuals they support at HMEA.  The department includes employees Bill Geary of Cumberland, RI, Department Head; Tom Lehan of Wrentham; Bonnie Norton of N. Grosvernordale, CT; Mike Rush of  Ayer; Allison Loring of Chelmsford; Tracey LaRowe of Franklin; and Kylee Higgins from Worcester.

 Tabitha Mahan from Plainville, of HMEA’s Employment Services, will receive the Outstanding Employee Award, for her exemplary performance throughout the year.

Joshua Kenney of Glocester, RI, will receive the Shared Living Provider Award, given to a provider who has significantly enriched the life of an individual with disabilities receiving support, and who has demonstrated exemplary commitment to the individual by fostering meaningful relationships, increasing community participation, and providing a safe and secure home that has been a catalyst for positive personal growth and accomplishment.

Amanda Crowley of Bridgewater, a therapist in HMEA’s Children’s Services division, will receive the Kathy Gilchrist Memorial Award for her unyielding devotion to children with autism and their families.

The Sharpe Family of Mendon, will receive the Love Thy Neighbor Award, presented by the Community Covenant Church in Rehoboth.  This newly created award in 2011 is given to a parent or family member who selflessly gives in a significant way to other families and their loved ones with disabilities.

John McEntee of Plainville, employees at Luciano’s Lake Pearl Restaurant of Wrentham, and Hilco, an optical solutions company in Plainville, will receive the Good Citizen’s Awards, given to a person or group not employed by HMEA, who has significantly contributed to the people supported by HMEA.

Alyssa Surrette of Bellingham, will receive the President’s Award, for her unique commitment and volunteer efforts, which have benefitted the agency as a whole. For the past five years, Alyssa has been the featured performer at HMEA’s Annual Independence 5K Walk, Run, Roll & Stroll in the Park, the agency’s largest fundraiser.  Alyssa, 19, studies musical theatre at The Boston Conservatory, and has shared her love for music by singing and dancing with HMEA participants.

The award winners will receive an engraved wood and brass plaque and their names will be added to HMEA’s list of accomplished individuals who have benefitted many people. 

Since 1961, HMEA has supported communities throughout Central and Southeastern Massachusetts and has provided innovative programs, support and education to people who face developmental challenges in school, at work or at home. The staff is committed to keeping families together and providing creative, solution-focused strategies that increase community inclusion and independence.  For more information, go to www.hmea.org.