The Huron Area Center for Independence held the Awards Banquet March 19 in the Nordby Exhibit Hall with more than 260 people in attendance.

Awards were presented for the Excellence in Achievement, Employee of the Year, Employer of the Year, and the Distinguished Service Award for Health Care. In addition, employee anniversary and community employment awards were presented.

• Employer of the Year: Runnings was chosen as the recipient of the Employer of the Year. Every year they take the opportunity to recognize an employer who employs people with disabilities. The Center puts together a group that discusses the potential candidates and decide which business has shined above others. This year they came to a clear conclusion that Runnings of Huron has gone above and beyond to not only employ a person with disabilities but make sure that person felt like a member of their team.

Shane Hood and the rest of the management at Runnings of Huron took the time to make sure Paul was properly trained, given the tools he need to complete his work, and were involved in every step of his employment process. If you go into Runnings and Paul is working, you will see Paul doing his work, interacting with customers, and interacting with his fellow co-workers.

Runnings has shown what true inclusion and empowerment looks like.

• Distinguished Service for Health Care: Jennifer Enander is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for Health Care. Jennifer has always been more than willing to help out when it comes to the medication of Clozaril. The Center keeps in communication with her, and she has even come in on her days off to make sure labs are entered into the database so they can get our refills on time. She is willing to help when they run into issues with not being able to fill the Clozaril and getting refills and/or the labs results in place so they can pick up the medication. Jennifer has provided a second staff contact name at CCS if she is going to be unavailable. She has also given her cell phone contact and the OK to contact her after office hours and even on her day off to be sure the people the Center supports don’t go without their medication. Jennifer is very responsive to medication refill requests when needed and she is always friendly and pleasant to talk to and returns voicemails in a timely manner.

Jennifer does great with any follow ups after a psych appointment. The Center for Independence appreciates Jennifer and all she does and continues to do for the agency.

• Excellence in Achievement: Ryan Weigel was named the Excellence in Achievement Award winner.

Ryan moved into the 1010 House in May 2021. He has expanded his interests and activities, including going to the movies, eating out, shopping, volunteering, taking day trips, and going to the local gym. He is always willing to try anything new at least once without hesitation. He enjoys just about everything he does and keeps a positive attitude.

He loves to sing, laugh, and joke with his direct support staff and others.

• Employee of the Year: Tanya Ruhnke was named the Employee of the Year.

She performs her duties with the unmitigated balance of remaining professional, as well as personable, and she most definitely leads by example. Ever industrious and quick to address and problem solve, Tania is tenacious and strives to enhance the lives of the residents served. The staff under her supervision are also grateful for her attentiveness to their concerns and well-being.

She is truly a “cut above” and shines under pressure and stress.  Tania both “rolls up her sleeves” and “wears many hats.”

She willingly working various shifts and filling in where needed; thus being a very hands on leader.

In addition, the Center for Independence recognized employees for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 years of experience. Eight employees received a 5 year award, five employees received 10 year awards and one employee received a 15 year award. Receiving 20 year awards were Vicky North and Patricia Williams. Angela Clay,

Emily Harms, Ted Haug and Heather Ruden received a 30 year award for their years of service.

Community Employment Awards were given out for 1, 5, 10 and 15 Year Awards. Six individuals received oneyear awards. Three received five year awards. Colton Hall and Donald Wagner received 10 year awards, and Peter Fremark and Christy Palmer received 15 year awards.