Nearly 150 staff, board members, consumers, family  members, and guests joined together to celebrate the Herkimer Area Resource Center’s accomplishments in 2007 at the agency’s 39th annual Meeting April 30.
“Achieving and growing, and reaching full potential  with caring and committed people” was the theme for the dinner held at Little Falls Best Western. Several individuals were also honored for their inspiration and dedication to serving those with disabilities. Special awards presented included the Inspiration Award, the Gail W. Brown Award, the Person-to-Person Award, and the David R. Farrell Memorial Award.
 “The HARC team is comprised of over 600 consumers,  400 employees, over 200 volunteers, 18 members of our Board of Directors, and 781 paid members,” says HARC Executive Director Kevin Crosley. “In number counts alone, not only do we have a tremendous impact with the positive work we do, but also economically  within our community. Our success in 2007 has positioned us for excellent future growth opportunities to diversify our funding streams to maintain a healthy financial base. I would like to thank our quality staff and board of directors for their support to  make HARC a premier provider of quality services to enrich lives and to help people reach their full potential.”
 The Inspiration Award is presented each year at HARC’s  annual meeting to an individual who faces the challenges of a disability with a positive spirit to inspire others; who serves as a role model; and whose contributions enhance quality of life for friends, family, and the community. Award winner Dawn Liddle  was nominated for her positive outlook, her volunteerism, and her great enthusiasm. Kathy Berner, an HARC certified occupational therapy assistant, said, “Dawn is an artist who enjoys sharing her talent with both staff and consumers. She genuinely finds  pleasure in helping others and has a permanent smile on her face. Facing the challenge of her disability is secondary to assisting others and volunteering in the community.”
The Gail W. Brown Award recognizes an employee, who  continually strives to improve services; who is innovative, creative and visionary; who puts an individual before the disability; who practices and promotes consumer empowerment; and who inspires and motivates others toward achievement of HARC goals.
Melissa Tripolone, an HARC Medicaid service coordinator,  was honored with the award for her dedication, creativity and commitment to both staff and consumers. Her peers write: “Melissa is the definition of the Gail W. Brown Award. She inspires consumers to achieve their best, she is more than a caseworker, but also  a friend, she advocates when and where she is needed, and she has a wealth of knowledge.”
The Person-to-Person Award recognizes individuals  in the community, who show compassion and respect; demonstrate unconditional love and acceptance; and enable individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential. Bill and Mary Alice Farrell were honored as wonderful and very active parents with their  son, David, who passed away in August 2007. Not only were they supportive of the HARC residences David lived in, they continue to visit individuals who live at the Brook Street residence. Mary Alice has been active with the HARC Board of Directors for eight  years, retiring in 2008. She has been active on the Properties Committee, the board that oversees HARC residences, the Project Embrace Essay Committee, and the Executive Director Search Committee. Both Bill and Mary Alice have volunteered for HARC residences  and fundraisers.
Diana Stuart, an HARC direct support professional,  was honored with the first annual David R. Farrell Memorial Award established by Bill and Mary Alice Farrell in honor of their son. Stuart is to use the money to offset costs of attending college at the Utica School of Commerce.
For more information regarding HARC, visit the Web site: www.herkimerarc.org.