Via Presents Awards to Staff for Exemplary Performance and Years of Service
June 10, 2008

BETHLEHEM, PA – Via of the Lehigh Valley presented awards to employees recognizing outstanding service for people with disabilities and recognized 111 years of employee service. Via is a non-profit human service agency that has been providing services for children and adults with disabilities, like autism, Down syndrome, since 1954.

“Via staff members help create success every day for children and adults with disabilities by providing quality services in the Lehigh Valley,” said Ron Rucker, Via President and CEO.

“They advocate the concept of inclusion and choice within schools, neighborhoods and communities, personal relationships, and employment. At the most critical time in a child’s life, Via staff work with children so they can have a bright and healthy start by addressing developmental delays and disabilities. And they help individuals make personal choices of career, home, leisure and retirement. We are proud to recognize the outstanding contributions of those who go far beyond what is outlined in any job description – they are the best of the best.”

The Circle of Support Award recognizes outstanding service by a Via employee who is directly engaged in providing services to individuals with disabilities. Speech therapist and award recipient, Mary Beth Shoemaker, demonstrates professionalism, compassion and extensive knowledge of her field.

“Mary Beth has an excellent rapport with families who often confide in her to obtain the best services for their child,” said Marcel Broadway, Via Speech Therapist and staff member who nominated Shoemaker.

“She is an excellent communicator and discusses difficult therapy topics in layman’s terms so family members can understand their child’s diagnosis and needs.”

The Distinguished Service Award honors a Via staff member who demonstrates outstanding behaviors, creates a positive supportive and inclusive environment and “goes the extra mile.” The Distinguished Service Award winner, Janeen Sproul, is patient, creative and willing to make hard work fun for the children she works with.

“Janeen shows great respect for each child and their individual situations and developmental levels,” said Marissa Nimtien, Via Children’s Services Director.

“Janeen uses her own time to research resources, activities, and ideas for the families she works with. She exemplifies our vision of helping children and adults live and learn successfully in their neighborhoods and communities.”

The Via Leadership Team award recognizes a manager or director who advocates for Via’s vision and serves as a positive role model and mentor for their staff and Via families.

“Corey Smith, Via’s Employment Director, exemplifies our mission of community engagement at its frenetic best,” said Rucker.

“Corey refuses to take no for an answer when it comes to finding funding to help individuals with disabilities find jobs in the community. He cheerleads on behalf of securing good jobs for people and sets the bar very high for everyone who works with him, advocating at the highest level on behalf of individuals without a voice.”

The Via Team Recognition Award recognizes employees who work together to achieve exceptional results for Via and their consumers. The Community Employment and ViaWorks team was selected by a committee of board members to receive this award because of their effectiveness and the efficiency in helping individuals with disabilities secure jobs in the community.

“Last year, we developed 74 new jobs for people with disabilities and are on target to surpass that number this year,” said Smith.

“By improving the quality and quantity of new jobs for people, we have attracted new employment partners, innovative funding sources and developed employment opportunities who others found unemployable.”

Via also presented awards to staff members for their years of service:

Twenty Years of Service
Lelani Treichler

Fifteen Years of Service
Patricia Dennis
Ron Rucker

Ten Years of Service
Sam Azzam
Linda Erceg

Five Years of Service
Donna Hein
Shannon Lindenmuth
Alajandro Gordillo
Bernard Ogutu
Tom Smith

One Year of Service
Amanda Albert
Laurel Baker
Julie DePhillips
Patricia Fiorilli
Eddie Gonzales
Cheryl Griffith
Jenny Huegel
Randy Letterhouse
Marisa Nimtien
Raegen Owens
Mather Phiri
Amber Reinhard
Tony Sereta
William Simmons
James Skubic
James Troxell
Gerry Yasso

Via of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit human service agency that provides services for children and adults with disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome. Serving the community since 1954, Via’s staff help individuals and families from birth through retirement focusing in Children’s Services, Community Connections and Employment.

Via works with children up to age three in their homes and daycares to address disabilities and delays. Via trains daycare center staff so children with disabilities can go to school and learn with their peers. Via finds jobs in the community for adults and provides coaching and training for successful employment. And Via helps people connect and live in their community by volunteering, participating in leisure activities, and finding or purchasing affordable, accessible housing. Via fosters and advocates the concept of inclusion and choice with in schools, neighborhoods and communities, personal relationships, and employment. Via believes that personal satisfaction and dignity are achieved through individual success and independence and is committed to helping people live full and productive lives. Visit ViaNet.org to learn more about Via’s services.

For more information, contact:
Lisa Walkiewicz, Communications Director
L.Walkiewicz@vianet.org | 484-893-5390