ARC Announces Award Winners

(ARC COMMUNITY SUPPORT SYSTEMS AWARD WINNERS: {first row} JOAN GARBE, JAMES LIDDLE, LISA COLLINS AND CASSIE MILLER OF VANTAGE OUTSOURCING...{second row} MARY ALTHOFF, CAROLYN CARPENTER, JAMIA EIMER AND PAM BERGFELD...{third row} BILL ALTHOFF, MARVIN CARPENTER, MATT PALS OF PALS ELECTRIC AND KIM CARTER)

Each year, ARC Community Support Systems recognizes those who support persons with developmental disabilities in an extraordinary way.

These award winners are determined through nominations submitted to the Board of Directors. There were 10 awards presented this year at the ARC-CSS Christmas Party.

James Liddle, manager of the Casey General Store in Oblong was presented with the Advocate of the Year award for his support of the Community Employment program. James hires employees with developmental disabilities and has a unique way of mentoring and training his staff to be happy and successful employees.

Vantage Outsourcing was awarded Business of the Year. In a matter of three weeks Vantage hired three employees through the Community Employment Program who all remain successfully employed today.

The Good Neighbor award went to Pals Electric for their timely, professional and compassionate service as well their extreme generosity to the agency.

Pam Bergfeld, RN was the recipient of the Medical Professional award. Pam, who is a creative problem solver, brings enthusiasm, joy and high energy to her work along with a great attitude that just makes everyone feel better.

Husband and wife team, Marvin and Carolyn Carpenter, were named the Volunteers of the Year for their unselfish acts of kindness and thoughtfulness to individuals in the programs at ARC-CSS.

The Bill and Mary Althoff Family received the Family of the Year award for their generosity towards people with developmental disabilities through volunteer service, support of special functions and donations.

The first-ever Lifetime Service Award was presented to Joan Garbe. Joan was very instrumental in the early years of the agency and continues to serve on various committees that support persons with developmental disabilities. She is also the driving force behind the well-known E.A.S.T.E.R. class held every Saturday morning.

Long-term employee, Kim Carter, Rest Area Manager, was honored with the Leadership award. Kim received a well-deserved promotion this last year and runs her program like a well-oiled machine thereby making staff feel empowered, appreciated and confident.

The Employee of the Year Award went to Jamia Eimer, Service Coordinator for the Child and Family Connections program. Jamia wears many hats but still makes time to take on extra projects, including a successful golf tournament to help fund Children’s Camp.

The Consumer of the Year award went to Lisa Collins. In the last year Lisa decided to branch out and seek employment in the competitive world. She was hired as a part-time Inventory Clerk at Vantage Outsourcing but because she does such an outstanding job they continue to increase her hours.