2008 Arc of Tuscaloosa presents
The Ken Stabler Charity Golf Tournament
October 30 & 31, 2008
North River Yacht Club
2007 with Ken "Snake" Stabler
The 2007 tournament was a hugh success!
Again it was held at Indian Hills Counrty Club and a special dinner the night before at The Zone.
A very special thanks to Ken Stabler for being our host.
The Sounds of Joy
 The
choir is available to perform at your church, club or other function.
They have special holiday programs. We can only warn you that they are
very busy during the November and December time so get on the list
early.
Judy Duncan, Director
205-556-4900
Annual Awards presented May 9, 2006
Volunteer of the Year
Darlene Ellis
The purpose of the Volunteer of the year award is to recognize a volunteer who has given generously of time and talents to benefit individuals with mental retardation.
This year’s recipient is Darlene Ellis.
The Arc of Tuscaloosa County has one fundraiser a year. A team of talented, committed volunteers and staff members works year round to pull off this feat. For the last several years Darlene Ellis has been at the helm as the Chairperson of this vitally important committee. A former board member, she walked through the door ready to put her talents, energy, and contacts to work. She has fresh, new ideas and this agency has profited from her hard work and enthusiasm.
Fellow committee member Marilee Brown-Wells nominated Darlene. She said “Darlene even opens her home for a pre-tournament dinner to honor sponsors and provide an opportunity to raise additional funds. She has spent countless hours contacting sponsors, asking for everything from donations of chicken to securing new Presenting Sponsors”. We also received an enthusiastic recommendation from Josephine Davis who points out that Darlene’s “leadership, energy, and hard work have been exemplary. She is indeed most deserving of this honor.”
We have seen Darlene emerge as a leader and maintain her poise and focus, even in the most difficult of circumstances.
We pay tribute to you, Darlene Ellis, as The Arc of Tuscaloosa County’s Volunteer of the Year.
Teacher of the Year
Coach Don Fowler
The purpose of the Teacher of the Year award is to recognize a classroom teacher who has demonstrated excellence in teaching students with mental retardation. This person must have positively influenced the attitudes and thinking of other professionals regarding education of these individuals, as well as fostered inclusion of students with disabilities in the educational process.
This year’s recipient is Don Fowler.
Don Fowler is an 8th grade history teacher and also the head football coach at Tuscaloosa Middle School. It seems that the most valuable lessons being learned at the school are on the football field. Suzanne and Rick Dowling, parents of Sam Dowling who has autism, nominated Coach Fowler. Mr. and Mrs. Dowling tell the story best:
“Coach Fowler has allowed our son Sam to be a member of the TMS football team for the last three years. Sam started as a manager in 6th grade and became a player last year. This year Sam moved from wearing cleats and a jersey as the manager to wearing the same full gear that all other team members are required to wear. In the world of autism, progress toward goals often comes in small steps. Taking this step to be a true member of the team meant a lot to Sam, and to us.”
To quote Coach Fowler, “Success can be measured in different ways. In the world of athletics it is usually by the score. But sometimes it’s not winning or losing, but just running a 40 yard dash, getting used to putting on and wearing the equipment, adjusting to the noise of the crowd, and being among your classmates without your anxiety levels rising.”
Tonight we pay tribute to a man who instills in his players the value of people. We are proud to honor Coach Don Fowler as the Teacher of the Year.
Citizenship Award
Walter Bryant
The purpose of the Bill Sackter Citizenship award is to recognize an outstanding individual with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities who is an achieving, included member of society.
This year’s recipient is Walter Bryant.
The staff of the Palk Enterprises Supported Employment Program nominated Walter. We’re all very proud of Walter’s accomplishments. After having tried competitive employment in the community several years ago that did not work out, Walter enrolled in our day habilitation life skills program that allowed him to learn the social and practical living skills necessary for maintaining a job. Walter then transferred to Palk Enterprises. When Walter met with Ryan Delfin, program coordinator at Palk, he informed Ryan that he would not be at the program very long because he was going to get a job. Walter heeded the advice of those around him and paid close attention to assignments at Palk Enterprises as practice for staying on task and enhancing social skills.
Walter obtained a job at Cobblestone Café where he has become a valuable member of their team. Shelly Reister, owner of Cobblestone Café, says Walter has worked for nine months and is an exemplary employee who takes great pride in his work. Each day he thanks each employee when they are helpful to him. Walter opens the front door for the employees even when he is busy with his own job and assists in busing tables during busy times. Ms. Reister said Walter is the type of employee that all employers wish to have – kind and hard working.
Walter participates in Park and Recreation’s bowling and swimming programs, and the PESE Club’s dances and parties and enjoys shopping at the mall, especially when purchasing NASCAR related items with his hard-earned money.
It is with great pleasure that we recognize Walter Bryant this evening with our Bill Sackter Citizenship Award.
Employer of the Year
Phifer Wire Products
Tonya Baker accepting for Phifer
The purpose of the Employer of the Year Award is to recognize an employer who has an exceptional record of providing inclusive competitive employment opportunities for people with mental retardation.
This year’s recipient is Phifer Wire Products.
Practically a cornerstone for our in-house contracts, Phifer Wire Products has employed our customers for thirteen years and continuously gives their best effort to supply the materials needed to provide opportunities to train. Phifer has been very understanding when an increase in production charge has been requested thus allowing our customers to receive better paychecks and, in turn, improve their self-confidence. As a result, our customers experience more interaction in the community with shopping, eating out, or accessing entertainment opportunities with the money they have earned from the Phifer Wire contract.
In nominating Phifer Wire for this award, Program Coordinator at Palk Enterprises Ryan Delfin notes that Phifer is very loyal to our program. They could have outsourced the contract to other companies or groups but have chosen to keep The Arc by their side, even when the economy was tight. Without this contract, there would have been extended periods when our customers would have had no earning power.
Professional of the Year
Randy Phillips
The purpose of the Professional of the Year award is to recognize an individual employed in community mental retardation services or supports who has demonstrated sensitivity and the ability to provide outstanding support, which results in increased independence for people with mental retardation.
This year’s recipient is Randy Phillips.
Lisa Alford, who nominated Mr. Phillips, has worked with him for 16 years at the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. Mrs. Alford says Randy has always shown a strong commitment to the individuals he serves. He treats each person with dignity and respect and is committed to ensuring their success and independence in the workforce. He has mentored many other counselors in the field of supported employment and is invaluable to our own supported employment program here at The Arc. Our PESE program points out that Randy spends hours volunteering at our golf tournament every year and serves on professional boards, holding offices on some. No matter where or what he is involved in, Randy always displays a high level of professionalism and is willing to go above and beyond what is required.
Tonight, we recognize an outstanding professional, Randy Phillips, as The Arc’s Professional of the Year.
Employee of the Year
Mr. Rickey Foster
The purpose of this award is to recognize an employee of The Arc who routinely goes above and beyond required duties, who shows exceptional sensitivity to the needs of people with mental retardation and who sets an example for others. This award is nominated solely by co-workers of The Arc.
This year’s recipient of the Employee of the Year is Rickey Foster.
Rickey is Transportation Coordinator for The Arc of Tuscaloosa County. As such, it is his job to keep our fleet of vehicles in top running condition. He coordinates repairs on the vehicles and we think they’re the cleanest, best looking in town. An important part of his job is to keep all our routes running smoothly. In this role, he supervises all staff who drive agency vehicles. To be nominated by a number of those he supervises speaks volumes. One of his nominators said “He is an extraordinary person who goes out of his way to assist his drivers any way he can. We all are grateful for him. Thanks Rickey for everything you do.” Another co-worker says “He is a very special person and will go out of his way for everyone and treats everyone the same.” Others observed he is dependable, trustworthy, and respectful when dealing with co-workers and our customers.
It is truly an honor to recognize Rickey Foster as Employee of the Year.
Family of the Year
The Cole/Bridges Family
The Family of the Year award is given to a family who excels in providing support to a family member or members with mental retardation so that they may lead productive, inclusive lives.
In view of their inspiration to other families, this year’s recipient of the Family of the Year award is The Cole/Bridges Family. Nominated by McGraw Center’s Program Manager Teresa Watts, the Cole/Bridges family is always willing to volunteer to help out when needed for special occasions. They have supplied cupcakes and cookies at Easter and Christmas and Becky’s younger twin brothers often help serve the treats. Becky’s mom, Julie Bridges, is a speech therapist and she has been very willing to provide suggestions for helping other individuals in our program maximize their communications skills. She has also volunteered several times to come to the program for a small group workshop for those customers who need assistance in communicating.
Becky is an important part of the family and they work hard to include her in the family’s daily routine and also recreation activities. Becky’s mom is also very concerned with seeing Becky achieve goals. She regularly calls just to check on Becky’s progress or to share stories of her own. Julie seems to be truly overjoyed with each new milestone Becky reaches.
We are very happy to present this award to the very deserving Cole/Bridges Family and salute them for the example they set.
Annual Awards presented May 3, 2005
Volunteer of the Year
Gary Shores
The purpose of the Volunteer of the year award is to recognize a volunteer who has given generously of time and talents to benefit individuals with mental retardation.
This year’s recipient is Gary Shores.
Gary is a Media Specialist at the Paul W. Bryant Museum located at The University of Alabama. Gary was nominated by Tim Green, who is Program Coordinator of the Palk Enterprises Supported Employment Program.
Gary has volunteered countless hours, weekends, nights and even materials creating professional videos for training, advocating,
and promoting the success of individuals with mental retardation. For many years he has also provided natural supports for two
co-workers with disabilities. He used his own time on nights and weekends coaching and encouraging one of these individuals
who used a wheelchair to walk again. The doctors told him it would never happen but Gary would not give up on him.
Teacher of the Year
Twila Suzanne Sterling
The purpose of the Teacher of the Year award is to recognize a classroom teacher who has demonstrated excellence in teaching students with mental retardation. This person must have positively influenced the attitudes and thinking of other professionals regarding education of these individuals, as well as fostered inclusion of students with disabilities in the educational process.
This year’s recipient is Twila Suzanne Sterling.
Suzanne Sterling has been a teacher in the Tuscaloosa City Schools for sixteen years and has served students with disabilities during this time. She is the coordinator of the World of Work Programs for tenth, eleventh, and twelfth graders at Tuscaloosa Center for Technology for the past four years. In that capacity, she has been instrumental in the growth and development of the program and has been responsible for many students’ job placements.
Dr. David Carroll, one of Ms. Sterling’s many nominators says “the students know immediately that she cares about them as a person but also understand that she expects them to work to be the best they can be, and more.” Of Ms. Sterling, Connie Givens of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services says “it is a wonderful experience to work with someone so dedicated and determined to see that students’ goals are met.” And probably the highest praise comes from the perspective of students at Central High School. Assistant Principal Zack Barnes recalls countless times when students comment on how Mrs. Sterling has assisted them and nurtured them in a variety of ways
We are proud to honor Suzanne Sterling as the 2004 Teacher of the Year.
Citizenship Award
Regina Noland
The purpose of the Bill Sackter Citizenship award is to recognize an outstanding individual with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities who is an achieving, included member of society.
This year’s recipient is Regina Noland.
Gina was nominated by the staff of the Palk Enterprises Supported Employment Program.
Gina’s first job was at the Stallings Center in the RISE program where she held the position of teacher’s assistant. After working there for several years, Gina decided to broaden her work experience so she applied for a job at the Paul W. Bryant Museum. In November 1999, Gina was hired by the Bryant Museum as a Museum Assistant and has happily worked there ever since.
Director of the museum, Ken Gaddy, says “Ms. Noland is a valued member of our staff. She ensures that the museum is in perfect order for our guests. One fingerprint on the glass is too many for Gina. She is great with the staff members and is a pleasure for our visitors. She not only works hard but is a self-starter who knows what to do and is determined to get the job done.
Gina is a very well rounded individual, participating in bowling, line dancing, and in Special Olympics every year. She is a member of Circlewood Baptist Church and attends regularly. She helps with The Arc golf tournament every year and is a fixture at that event. Her outgoing personality makes it easy to see why Gina Noland is such a success in all she does.
Employer of the Year
Cintas Corporation
Braxton McCaleb accepted for Cintas
The purpose of the Employer of the Year Award is to recognize an employer who has an exceptional record of providing inclusive competitive employment opportunities for people with mental retardation.
This year’s recipient is Cintas Corporation.
Since 1993 Cintas Corporation has made it possible for Palk Enterprises consumers to work on a contract, perform meaningful work, and receive a paycheck. Cintas Corporation was nominated by Program Coordinator Ryan Delfin. Of Cintas, Mr. Delfin says “they believe in our program and capabilities. They are loyal, flexible, and excellent communicators. Cintas was understanding when our old truck broke down several times and instead of being upset, worked with us and assured us it was not a problem".
In a letter of support for the nomination of Cintas, Independent Skills Supervisor Peggye Faulkner says “when our consumers are given work, they can earn money and learn about making choices concerning spending or saving their earnings. This provides another step on their road to independence.”
With our sincere thanks for providing employment opportunities, we recognize Cintas Corporation as Employer of the Year.
Professional of the Year
Jimmy Little
The purpose of the Professional of the Year award is to recognize an individual employed in community mental retardation services or supports who has demonstrated sensitivity and the ability to provide outstanding support, which results in increased independence for people with mental retardation.
This year’s recipient is Jimmy Little.
Jimmy Little has worked at McGraw Center as a Life Skills Coach since the summer of 2000. Along with another trainer in the classroom and a consultant from the University of Alabama, Jimmy developed a training program for his class that is truly outstanding in that it can be adapted to the needs of each individual, is mostly hands on, and includes community-based training that supports and enhances what is being taught in the classroom. The changes in the individuals in Jimmy’s class have been dramatic in development of skills that can be demonstrated, increased self-confidence and communication. Jimmy takes a special interest in each person and always finds time to listen and offer a word of encouragement. His attitude and interaction conveys respect, genuine caring, and a desire to see growth and development.
A mother of a young lady in Jimmy’s class says their family loves him as a family member and will be forever grateful to him for the many hours of joy he brings to their family.
The consultant working with the classroom to develop the teaching method states “What began as a lackluster group of individuals who were not very capable in the kitchen, has now become a group of eager and happy participants. I believe much of this change in student behavior can be ascribed to Jimmy.
Employee of the Year
Miss Willie B Pollard
The purpose of this award is to recognize an employee of The Arc who routinely goes above and beyond required duties, who shows exceptional sensitivity to the needs of people with mental retardation and who sets an example for others. This award is nominated solely by co-workers of The Arc.
This year’s recipient of the Employee of the Year is Miss Willie B Pollard.
Miss Willie B, as we call her at The Arc, has served this agency well over the past 35 years.
Her fellow employees comment that she is dependable, reliable, hard working and maintains a good relationship with
all the consumers. Miss Willie B. is simply outstanding. One of her nominators says he looks to her for guidance
and leadership, which she always provides. Her first priority is the consumers and is most interested in their well-being. Another nominator says Ms. Pollard is extremely compassionate and caring and goes out of her way to help people.
It is truly an honor to recognize Willie B. Pollard as Employee of the Year.
Family of the Year
The Pate Family
The Family of the Year award is given to a family who excels in providing support to a family member or members with mental retardation so that they may lead productive, inclusive lives.
In view of their inspiration to other families, this year’s recipient of the Family of the Year award is The Pate Family.
It is very obvious to everyone the love, devotion, and commitment the Pates have for their grandsons, Dee and Steve. Perhaps the best measure of the success of this family unit is the happiness that Dee and Steve show. Steve attends program at Palk Enterprises and Dee attends at McGraw Center. Dee sings in the choir, Sounds of Joy, and can be counted on to help consumers with vision problems or just generally helping out as needed. Both of these young men are loved and well cared for and that is quickly evident.
The Pates always manage to get their grandsons to whatever appointments, singing engagements, or social events they need to want to attend. Dee and Steve are always included in all family activities and are valued members of the family.
Recently featured in Tuscaloosa Christian Magazine, the Pates have an abiding faith and stay very active in their church, where Dee is a frequent soloist. Mrs. Pate says their involvement in The Arc has helped them learn to work together and improved their social skills as well.
Staff at The Arc knows they can count on the Pates to support programming and are always met with enthusiasm and encouragement when called.
Annual Awards presented May 4, 2004
Volunteer of the Year
John Austin
The purpose of the Volunteer of the year award is to
recognize a volunteer who has given generously of time and talents to
benefit individuals with mental retardation. This year’s recipient
is John Austin. Nominated by The Arc of Alabama’s Executive
Director Tom Holmes, John is a great example of a volunteer in action.
For the past two years, he has served as President of the Board at The
Arc of Tuscaloosa County and has traveled across the state, meeting with
local chapters and their leaders to rebuild statewide support for the
state Arc. Currently, John serves as First Vice President of The Arc of
Alabama. In making the nomination, Tom Holmes says of Mr. Austin: “He is
a very dedicated and valuable volunteer who brings excellence to all he
undertakes. John devotes his time and energy to making our communities
truly inclusive places for all Alabamians.” Of the nomination, Ace/Arc
President Bill Hoehle says “John’s efforts on behalf of the Arc have
already resulted in a more precise and understandable articulation of
where Alabama is and, more importantly, where we want to be in terms of
services to people with mental retardation and their families. According
to The Arc’s Executive Director Barbara Carroll, “John’s efforts to
solidify communications and teamwork at the state level plus his
leadership as the President of our Board have been remarkable.” It is
indeed an honor to recognize John Austin as The Arc of Tuscaloosa
County’s 2003 Volunteer of the Year.
Teacher of the Year
Aubrey Nell Skelton
The purpose of the Teacher of the Year award is to
recognize a classroom teacher who has demonstrated excellence in
teaching students with mental retardation. This person must have
positively influenced the attitudes and thinking of other professionals
regarding education of these individuals, as well as fostered inclusion
of students with disabilities in the educational process. This
year’s recipient is Aubrey Nell Skelton. Ms. Skelton joined the
staff of the Department of Vocational Services in 1977. Initially
responsible for developing a Home Economics program to meet the
independent needs of those individuals moving into the community, as the
population of the facility changed, Ms. Skelton adjusted the program
delivery system to meet the specific needs of those served. Nominator
Glenn Sparks says of Ms. Skelton, “she is perhaps one of the finest
educational teachers on campus. The measure of her success can be seen
in the eyes and faces of individuals who participate in her classrooms.
The men and women who participate in this classroom are learning basic
elements that will enhance their ability to live more independently in
the community. We are proud to honor Aubrey Nell Skelton as the 2003
Teacher of the Year.
Citizenship Award
Bradley Chan Green
The purpose of the Bill Sackter Citizenship award is to
recognize an outstanding individual with cognitive, intellectual, or
developmental disabilities who is an achieving, included member of
society. This year’s recipient is Bradley Chan Green. Chan
was nominated by the staff of the Palk Enterprises Supported Employment
Program. When Mr. Green finished school, he wanted to become
self-supporting so he could live independently and entered the PESE
program for assistance in seeking employment. After having worked part
time as a stock person at a business in Northport for a year, Chan asked
PESE staff to help him find a full-time job with benefits. He started
work part time at UCP of West Alabama while still searching for
full-time employment. UCP found Chan to be such a dependable and
hard-working employee they promoted him to a full time job with benefits
as a Life Skills Coach. He is still working at UCP and lives
independently. Toni Franklin, Executive Director of UCP, says “Chan’s
employment with UCP has been one of the best moves we have made in our
personnel selections. I am proud that Chan is employed with our agency,
for he brings with him a sense of ability and encouragement for the
persons with whom he works.” It is with great pleasure that we recognize
Bradley Chan Green this evening with our Bill Sackter Citizenship Award.
Employer of the Year
Toni Franklin for UCP
The purpose of the Employer of the Year Award is to
recognize an employer who has an exceptional record of providing
inclusive competitive employment opportunities for people with mental
retardation. This year’s recipient is UCP of West Alabama.
Over the past six years, UCP has hired several individuals through the
Palk Enterprises Supported Employment Program, and three are still
employed there. Pese staff says “It would be impossible for us to place
our consumers into good jobs without the cooperation and acceptance from
employers such as UCP. Our consumers working for UCP have been given
equal opportunities for promotional advancement as non-disabled staff.
The UCP executive director goes above and beyond in working with
individuals with mental retardation.” In a letter of support for the
nomination of UCP of West Alabama, Becci Hauser of CrossingPoints
program says “the opportunities they provide and the way in which they
treat all their employees is exemplary. They have truly shown an
excellent record in providing inclusive competitive employment
opportunities for people with mental retardation. With our sincere
thanks for providing inclusive employment opportunities, we recognize
UCP of West Alabama as Employer of the Year.
Professional of the Year
Dr. Bruce Prescott
The purpose of the Professional of the Year award is to
recognize an individual employed in community mental retardation
services or supports who has demonstrated sensitivity and the ability to
provide outstanding support, which results in increased independence for
people with mental retardation. This year’s recipient is Dr. Bruce
Prescott. Bruce Prescott is the first person the students
attending Oak Hill School sees. That’s because he’s standing ready to
greet them by 7:30 every morning, taking time to talk to the students to
help assure their day starts on a positive note. His nominator, Lisa
Berger, says “Dr. Prescott develops positive relationships with his
faculty, staff, students, and just as importantly the family. He is a
strong advocate for families and establishes effective communication
with them to provide necessary support. Recently, he was awarded ALFA’s
Principal of the Year Award. As a result of his commitment to improving
the lives of individuals with special needs, the students are enjoying
successes in life and keeping motivated.” One of the students at Oak
Hill writes “Dr. Prescott is a nice principal. He makes me want to work
hard at school and makes me like school. He plays basketball with me and
I sit with him in the lunchroom. He sings with me in the music room and
has helped me with my math and drawing. He waves hello and bye at the
bus line every day. Mr. Prescott is cool.” We agree! Tonight, we
recognize an outstanding professional, Bruce Prescott as The Arc’s
Professional of the Year.
Employee of the Year
Shelley McGhee
The purpose of this award is to recognize an employee of
The Arc who routinely goes above and beyond required duties, who shows
exceptional sensitivity to the needs of people with mental retardation
and who sets an example for others. This award is nominated solely by
co-workers of The Arc. This year’s recipient of the Employee of
the Year is Shelley McGhee. The nominator says “Ms. McGee has
character that is genuine and she’s full of enthusiasm with both
consumers and staff. She shows humor, good cheer, and smiles with
everyone. You can see the affect Ms. McGee has on the consumers she
works with by looking at their face when they come from her class. They
simply glow with delight.” Shelley is a Life Skills Coach at McGraw
Center and conducts grooming and hygiene classes, in addition to
activities in the community. Armed with a curling iron and quite a few
lotions and potions, she brings out the beauty that is within our
consumers. From hair to makeup to manicures, Shelley does it all. It’s
fun to see our folks walk with a spring in their step and a smile on
their face when they come from Shelley’s class. They KNOW they’re
looking good! The most important thing to note is that Shelley truly
loves and cares for the consumers she works with. It is truly an honor
to recognize Shelley McGhee as Employee of the Year. |
