Center for Independence awards banquet

HURON — The Huron Area Center for Independence held its annual Awards Banquet March 22 in the Plains Ballroom with more than 250 people in attendance.
Awards were presented for Excellence in Achievement, Employee of the Year, Employer of the Year and the Distinguished Service Award for Health Care.  
Employer of the Year:  Banner was chosen as the recipient of the Employer of the Year. Banner has been providing employment opportunities for people the Center supports for years. In 2016 they supported an idea for an on-site enclave that has become a huge stepping stone to individual supported employment in the community. They have provided opportunities for people to work alongside other employees within their company, giving them a huge community presence and are an agent for change in community perception and acceptance. They have worked with and communicated well with the center, provided valuable work experience and opportunities to be a valued and respected team members within their organization.  
Employee of the Year: Judy Klicker was the recipient of the Employee of the Year.  She has been at the agency for 11 years and goes above and beyond in her duties on a weekly basis.  
She is willing to change her schedule at a moments notice to complete a med pass, stay late for a staff to complete their med test, rearrange her class times/trainings  to get the staff properly trained so  they can be medication certified and be able to pass medications.
She is always willing to provide additional education and encouragement for staff and people supported where needed. Her flexibility represents how she wants staff to succeed, which in return benefits the people the Center supports.  Klicker is a great asset to the Center for Independence.
Distinguished Service for Health Care: Lifescape-Rehabilitation Medical Supply is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for Health Care. They have been working to meet the Center’s wheelchair mobility, seating and orthotic needs for nearly 20 years. Everyone is so kind and friendly and will often juggle schedules to see several patients in one day, eliminating the need for additional out-of-town travel.
The employees are very knowledgeable and stay current with the latest technology to address the ever changing needs of those with disabilities. They have never run from a challenge, but embrace it and take it head on.

Excellence in Achievement: Bway Paw was the recipient of the Excellence in Achievement Award. Paw has made progress in so many areas over the past year.
She has started communicating more with staff, is more involved in all daily living skills and has started to volunteer by helping deliver Meals on Wheels. She is also cooking more and taking good care of her home.
She has gotten involved with a Karen group in town that is helping her and her husband with becoming more productive citizens. Most importantly she has gotten reconnected with family.  
In addition, the Center for Independence recognized employees for five, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 35 years of experience.  
Seven employees received a five-year award, 12 employees received 10-year awards and three employees received 15 year awards.  Receiving 20 year awards were Alayne Rowcliffe and Rhonda Tompkins.  
Receiving 25 year awards were Pat Decker, Shauna Kemnitz, Deb Minske and Richard Paul. Bill Myers received a 35-year award for his years of service.   
Community Employment Awards were given out for one, five-, 10- and 30-Year Awards. Six individuals received one year awards, six received five year awards and two people received 10 Year Awards.
James Gose received a 30- year award for his employment at the Huron Post Office.

COURTESY PHOTOS
Banner received the Employer of the Year award at the Huron Area Center for Independence annual Awards Banquet March 22. From left, are Job Developer Sara Held, Ann Menzia, Amy Van Diepen and Coordinator Stacy Chaparro.

Next, Bway Paw received the Excellence in Achievement Award of the Year.

Next, Coordinator Shauna Kemnitz is shown with Employee of the Year RN Judy Klicker.

And next, Support Services Technician Tina Butler presented the Distinguished Service for Health Care Award to Lifescape RMS, from left, Shawn Frewaldt, Tina Butler, Jill Barron and Arlen Klamm.