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GOODWILL PRESENTS AWARDS AT ANNUAL LUNCHEON May 1, 2009
CONTACT: Dorothy H. Viets
Director of Community Relations
(203) 581-5319 or (203) 650-5723 (Cell)
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES PRESENTS AWARDS AT ANNUAL LUNCHEON
Goodwill Industries of Western Connecticut presented ten awards at its Annual Awards Luncheon on April 21, 2009. Six awards went to individuals, two were presented to companies and two were presented to state agencies.
The Goodwill Graduate Award honors individuals with disabilities or other special needs that have completed a Goodwill Industries program and have demonstrated outstanding achievement in attaining competitive employment in the community. The recipients of the Goodwill Graduate Award were Jennifer DeCaprio of Stratford, Charlie Rivera of Bridgeport and Eric Smith of Danbury. The Goodwill Achiever Award honors individuals with disabilities or other special needs that, while not yet having attained a competitive job in the community, have shown great progress and accomplishment in overcoming barriers to employment while working toward their career goals. The recipients of the Goodwill Achiever Award were Timothy Stoveken of New Britain, Ralph Branch of Bridgeport and Kevin Pirro of Stamford.
The Goodwill Employer of the Year Award honors an employer who has demonstrated outstanding concern for persons in their community who are disabled and/or have other barriers to employment and has taken affirmative action to provide job training and employment opportunities. Two employers were honored this year—Chartwells Dining Services at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield and Valley Container, Inc. in Bridgeport.
The Edgar J. Helms Community Partner Award honors an outstanding person or organization for demonstrating a commitment to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities or other challenges to employment or community integration. Two groups received this award—The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services and the Department of Mental Health and Addition Services Acquired Brain Injury Community Initiative.
Goodwill Industries of Western Connecticut is a non-profit organization that provides employment and support services to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Through programs that offer people the opportunity to develop the life-changing skills they need to obtain and keep a job, Goodwill helps the individuals it serves gain hope, dignity and financial independence.
The Annual Goodwill Awards Luncheon, attended by the Goodwill board of directors, members, representatives of state and local social organizations and other community leaders, recognizes the annual award winners and honors major monetary contributors and volunteers. Goodwill President David H. Turner outlined the agency’s growth and accomplishments and discussed plans for the future.
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