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The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence |
The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence (www.thearcjslc.org), recently held their Annual Meeting to elect officers and set terms for the Board of Directors, as well as honor employees, volunteers, and individuals supported by the agency. The 2023-2024 elected officers for The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence Board of Directors are as follows: Jackie Sauter, President; Jennifer VanReenen, Vice President; and Joanne Rhode, Secretary/Treasurer.
Staff members, people supported, and volunteers were recognized for their achievements during the past year. Durand Hayes received the David Brassbridge Staff Member of the Year Award. Hays is a Direct Support Professional with the Bridges program. He is an enthusiastic and reliable staff member who always puts the best interests of people with disabilities in the forefront. Hays was recognized for his respect for people, strong work ethic, and willingness to assist.
Beth Morales received the Stephen Robarge Employee of the Year Award. She was honored for her work as the on-call, Administrator on Duty. Morales was honored for her dedication to address any concerns that come up, no matter the time of day. She is upbeat and treats the people supported by the agency with great respect, always looking for ways to better their lives.
Joseph Vohnoutka was awarded The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence’s Kathy Hill Individual of the Year Award. Vohnoutka lives in an agency residence and works at The Arc JSLC Enterprises. He was recognized for making tremendous growth to gain independence in the community. Vohnoutka takes pride in his work and comes home every day eager to help with chores. He takes time to encourage, uplift, and assist not only his roommates and coworkers, but others in the community.
The Self-Advocate of the Year Award was given to Heather Fukes for her volunteerism through the Norwood Day Habilitation program. She is a strong advocate for herself and will tell the team about her interests, which plays a big role in person-centered planning. Fukes recently assisted with a shoe drive in support of a local animal shelter. She was instrumental in the success of this fundraiser by designing posters for donations, sorting the shoes, and collecting money from contributors. Fuke’s determination, positive attitude and work ethic are inspirational.
The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence Community Spirit Award was presented to David Spilman, Gouverneur Town Supervisor, in recognition of his long-standing support for the agency. Spilman makes it his mission to ensure that everyone has an enriching experience at the Gouverneur Community Center. He has a proven commitment to offering valuable experiences for the people with disabilities supported by the agency through volunteerism in partnership with the vocational programs.
The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence provides lifelong opportunities that enhance the lives of people, so that they may achieve their goals and aspirations. To learn more, visit www.thearcjslc.org or find us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
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In the photos:
Jackie Sauter, Board President (left); Durand Hays, David Brassbridge Staff Member of the Year Award Recipient; and Lynn Pietroski, Chief Executive Officer
Beth Morales (left), Stephen Robarge Employee of the Year Award; Jackie Sauter, Board President; and Lynn Pietroski, Chief Executive Officer
Jackie Sauter, Board President (left); Joseph Vohnoutka, Kathy Hill Individual of the Year Award Recipient, and Lynn Pietroski, Chief Executive Officer
Heather Fukes, Self-Advocate of the Year Award Recipient and Steven Sauter, Past Award Recipient
Jackie Sauter, Board President (left) and David Spilman, Gouverneur Town Supervisor and Community Spirit Award Recipient
About The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence:
The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence seeks to be the premier provider of services for people with diverse needs through the continuum of life.