|
April 26, 2007
BETHLEHEM, PA – Via of the Lehigh Valley presented several awards to employees recognizing outstanding service for people with disabilities. In addition, Via recognized 219 years of service for employees of Via of the Lehigh Valley. Via is a non-profit human service agency that has been providing services for consumers, children and adults with developmental disabilities, since 1954.
 “Via is proud to recognize the outstanding contributions of staff members who go far beyond what is outlined in any job description,” said Chuck Stehly, Via Board Chairman.
The Circle of Support Award recognizes outstanding service by an employee who is directly engaged in consumer support. This year’s recipient, Bob Kondrick, has made a strong impact on consumers during a short tenure with Via. Kondrick was nominated by his colleagues in Via’s Community Employment program for his efforts to find just the right job for the right person and advocating for his consumers throughout the assessment, coaching and follow-along process associated with each job.
“Bob is available by phone and in person even when he’s not on the clock,” said Corey Smith, Via Director of Community Employment.
“If there’s something that needs to be done to support a consumer, whether it’s filling in as a job coach, attending a meeting, or helping a consumer maintain a job – he’s there.”
 The Distinguished Service Award was created in 2005 to honor a staff member who demonstrates outstanding behaviors, creates positive supportive and an inclusive environment, and “goes the extra mile” as a member of the staff.
“This year’s recipient, Danielle Hampsher, is creative, patient, and considerate to both consumers and staff,” said Lisa Musselman, Via Director Community & Volunteer Services.
“Her support for the department and Via extends far beyond the walls of our building. She networks across the community to develop inclusive volunteer and social opportunities for consumers and to build lasting relationships. She takes personally her responsibility to be a role model for some of the young consumers she helps and always encourages them to connect to activities in their community.”
The Via Leadership Team Award recognizes a manager or director advocates for Via’s vision and serves as a positive role model and mentor for their staff and consumers.
“When the leadership team was asked who should receive the inaugural Via Leadership Team Award, everyone said the same name,” said Ron Rucker, Via President and CEO.
 “Lisa Musselman, Director of Community & Volunteer Services, has an infectious laugh and a clear sense that everything we do is in support of the consumers we serve. Everyday Lisa asks her staff to do a great deal from early in the morning until the evening, while they are often short staffed. She leads by example, whether it’s working with consumers or watching the bottom line on her budget to make sure she makes the best use of the limited funds for the programs.”
The Via Team Recognition Award recognizes employees who work together to achieve exceptional results for Via and their consumers. The Early Intervention team: Kathy Thomas, Sue Martin, Mary Beth Schoemaker, Maria Samaritano, Nancy Ongiri, Melany Buda, Maureen Rinehimer, Kathy Davis and Marcel Broadway,” was selected by a committee of board members to receive this award.
 “Our Early Intervention Program’s physical, occupational and speech therapists and teachers are a true team of professionals,” said Julie DePhillips, Via Director of Children’s Services.
“The quality of service they provide to the children and families they serve is unparalleled and each year their work results in kudos from the counties and our licensing authorities. They are always cognizant of the special needs of the families they work with and often make and acquire adaptive toys and materials on their own time and with their own resources to help their families and children succeed.”
Via also presented awards to staff members for their years of service:
 |
 |
Twenty-Five Years of Service
Susan Martin
Alberto Otero |
Twenty Years of Service
Terry Laudenslager
Kathy Thomas
Keith Bauder
Dolores Hauck |
 |
 |
Fifteen Years of Service
Amy Hoffman |
Ten Years of Service
William Bonney
Lisa Musselman |
 |
 |
Five Years of Service
Bola Akinleye
Virginia Crowe
Suzanne Dilli
Denise Romansky
Maria Samaritano
Suzanne Curry
Rebecca Ahner
James Kern |
One Year of Service
Kathleen Hart
Leslie Hartzell
Robert Kondrk
April Cox
Jolene Fetherman
Tanya Mucha
Donna Devarie
Amanda Hengstenberger
Janeen Sproul
Leah Suchaverski
Carol Troxell
Paul Lorio
Earl Erdman
Bridget McVan |
Via of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit human service agency that provides services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Via helps more than 1,000 individuals and families from birth through retirement focusing in four areas: Children’s Services, Community & Volunteer Services, Employment Services and Residential Services.
Via works with children up to age three in their homes and daycares to address disabilities and delays. Via trains daycares so children with disabilities can go to school and learn with their peers. Via finds jobs in the community for consumers and provides coaching and training. And Via helps consumers volunteer in the community, participate in leisure activities, and find or purchase affordable, accessible housing.
Via understands that personal satisfaction and dignity is achieved through individual success and independence and is committed to helping people live full and productive lives.
Lisa Walkiewicz
Communications Director
484-893-5390
|
