UCP Honors Volunteers, Staff at 53rd Annual Meeting
 Janie Ray, left, takes a break from recording the annual UCP meeting to receive the Life Without Limits Award from friend Pat Sheely, who also was honored for her 24 years of service on the UCP board. See more photos from the evening here. |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Christina Embry's faced some challenges in her short life, but she hasn't let them hold her back.
Embry was honored last week for her achievements in both her working and personal life at United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County's 53rd annual meeting.
"Christina is a young woman who represents what our agency stands for," said Leigh Uqdah, director of Individual and Family Support. "A life without limits."
Embry has been persistent in not allowing her physical disability to keep her from having a very full life. She's been promoted to a full-time position at the Walmart Supercenter, had a baby, became an Adult Family Care provider for UCP and just finished a year on the UCP board.
"I am a full-time employee, a full-time caregiver and a full-time mother," she said on accepting the award.
"Just because you have disabilities doesn't mean you can't be someone."
Embry was one of two clients of UCP presented with the Consumer Excellence Award at the dinner held at the Eagles' Hall on Wednesday. The dinner celebrated the dedicated staff and volunteers, and elected the officers for the coming year.
The evening was dedicated to the late Mitzi Scelsi, UCP's first executive director.
Maren Jacobs of Lenox, a member of the executive board, recalled Scelsi as a "relentless advocate" for the disabled who believed "every person was unique and special."
Scelsi had been tapped to lead after becoming involved in a parental group. Executive Director Christine Singer said it had been one day and 18 years ago that she'd first come on board with Scelsi's admonition "not to mess things up."
"I have kept my promises," Singer laughed. "I haven't messed it up."
UCP, headquartered next door to the Eagles on Curran Highway, assisted more than 2,000 individuals of all ages over the past year through 18 programs from 19 different funding sources. Programs range from the latest, "Joy to Dance" that culminated in a performance by clients, to Adult Family Daycare to "Take a Book, Leave a Book" for clients and families.
The nonprofit also offers Berkshire Talking Chronicle reading services, assistive technology, computer training and early intervention programs, and collaborations with the Berkshire Immigrant Center, Williams College students, Head Start and the Pediatric Development Center. Nearly 80 percent of its expenses go toward programming.
"I can honestly say that the people we supported this year are more independent, healthier, stronger and more capable than a year ago," said Singer. "I am so proud of the internal structure we have created which consists of persistent and tireless staff."
Chairman Anthony Hyte and Singer said much could not happen without the large team of dedicated volunteers and support of local businesses. Some 394 volunteers and 634 businesses and donors supported UCP in the past year.
"Victory 100" certificates were presented to those giving 100 hours of time and talent: Bet Azar, Mekayla Bailey, Missy Bowler, Warren Buhl, Marshall Butler, Susan DeSanty, David Cianflone, Katherine Gundlefinger, Irene Hanna, Brian Harrison, Anthony Hyte, Maren Jacobs, Irene "Caleka" Jones, Edie Mingalone, Carol Moak, Jessica Peck, Timothy Potter, Sienna Powers, Dan Proskin, Pat Sheely, Kenneth Singer, Susan Snyder, Kyle Strack, Bill Sturgeon, Taylor Tetu, Phil Tierney and Carol Perrault Wells.
Longevity among staff and volunteers has been key element in the group's success. Betty Papirio was honored for 50 years of service, first as an adaptive swim coach and for many years as a member of the board and now the Advisory Board; also noted were Pat Sheely for 24 years of service and Warren Buhl for 18.
Karen Charbonneau, director of the Early Intervention and Early Childhood program, which came under the UCP umbrella three years ago, was awarded the Mitzi Scelsi Outstanding Staff Recognition Award. Sienna Powers, currently away at college, was presented the Youth Leadership Award for her volunteer work with the UCP Fun Club and Chris Tamburrino was given a Life Achievement Award for his work with Hoosac Valley High School's Life Skills Program.
Also presented a Life Achievement Award was Phil Tierney, for volunteering with Berkshire Talking Chronicle; Kushi & Myers PC was recognized with the Diane M. Laurin Campaign Award for its efforts, including the annual golf tournament, in fund raising for UCP; and Janie Ray was presented the Life Without Limits Award for her many activities with UCP, from recording events and programs (including the annual dinner) to assisting with transportation, personal care and Berkshire Talking Chronicle and serving on the Advisory Board.
The result of all that effort are individuals like Ashley Adler, who also received a Consumer Excellence Award for achievements through the Life Skills Transition Program, classes at Berkshire Community College and Berkshire County Arc's Advantage Employee Network.
Adler, who now works in food service at Kripalu and volunteers at the Sonsini Animal Shelter, summed up the evening succinctly:
"Keep dreaming and stay happy."
Tags: annual meeting, recognition event, UCP,
