CCARC's 59th Annual Awards Celebration Dinner

CCARC, Inc. honored their Partners at its annual meeting and dinner on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at the St. George Greek Hall, New Britain. These award recipients are being celebrated for their support of persons with disabilities. See this years Program Guide (PDF).

Pictures in the slideshow from the Annual Meeting 2011.

The Person of the Year award was presented to DDS Commissioner Peter O’Meara. Commissioner O’Meara was with the Department of Developmental Services for over 16 years. He was instrumental in changing the name from the Department of Mental Retardation to the Department of Developmental Services to show more respect and dignity for people who are served within the department. With the support of Commissioner O’Meara, CCARC was able to build a state of the art facility for day services and was one of the 150 providers that increased its residential opportunities.

The Partners in Care award was presented to Fire Chief Mark Carr of the New Britain Fire Department and Fire Inspector Michael Ronalter of the New Britain Fire Marshal’s Office. CCARC depends on community resources for emergency response to ensure the safety of the people in its care. Over the past 20 years, the care and compassion that the Fire Department and Fire Marshal have extended is overwhelming. Whether it’s their first response to CCARC’s 911 calls or recommendations and oversight to help us meet fire safety standards in the homes, their quick action and respect of our individuals is immeasurable.

The Partners in Business award was presented to Suburban Stationers, Inc. and its president David Shulman. Suburban Stationers take pride in being a local independent office supply dealer. They offer competitive pricing along with outstanding customer service. Suburban Stationers recognizes the challenges facing non-profits like CCARC by helping them manage costs on everything from binders and copy paper to coffee.

The Partners in Employment award went to Ekris Cable. Since June 1996, Ekris Cable has provided continued employment to Michael, who participates in CCARC’s Individual Job Placement Program. This individual’s coworkers have been welcoming, inclusive and dedicated in continuing to provide employment in a demanding and sometimes pressured work atmosphere. Thank you to all the employees of Ekris Cable, especially its president, Gary Robinson, for creating positive employment for Michael within the community.

Sarah Christiano was profiled as a young lady who has achieved much in her young life. At the age of 18, Sarah moved from Devereux in Massachusetts to CCARC’s Black Rock home. As she approached her high school graduation in June 2010, she already had work experience with Kohl’s, CVS and Brittany Farms Health Center but it was through an assessment at CCARC as a receptionist that a job match became evident. She really proved herself when it came to the diversified duties she was asked to perform as well as the many people that she interfaced with. CCARC offered her the part time receptionist position and she has been doing an excellent job since! Other opportunities opened for her as well—she moved into an apartment in Wethersfield with a roommate and she also volunteers in the day program. Sarah is a great match for CCARC’s front desk and we wish her all the best success!

Yes I Can awarded Maureen Keyes, City of New Britain Disabilities Services Specialist, with the distinguished Mary Perez Self Advocacy Award. Maureen received this award for her kindness while providing the needed direction and information to the members so they can continue to advocate for themselves.

CCARC congratulates and thanks all of its Partners!