Albany Advocacy Resource Center will celebrate its 37^th Annual Community Awards Banquet Monday, October 26, 2015 at the James H. Gray Sr. Civic Center in Albany. This year’s Banquet will feature Keynote Speaker, Peter V. Berns, CEO Arc of the US from Washington, DC.

Berns has been at the helm of The Arc, the world’s largest community-based organization of and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, since July, 2008. Under his leadership, the organization has charted an ambitious course of progress, innovation and change with the development of a Strategic Framework for the Future of The Arc.

As the leading provider of vital services and support for families and individuals, The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. The Arc works daily on behalf of the more than 140,000 members and in concert with a nationwide network of approximately 700 state and local chapters across the nation.

Albany ARC’s 37^th Annual Award Banquet will be held at the James H. Gray, Sr. Civic Center, located at 100 West Oglethorpe Boulevard, Albany, GA. The evening will start with a reception at 6:00 where guests will have the opportunity to meet the Keynote Speaker of the event followed by dinner and awards at 7:00. The event is presented by Corporate Sponsor, FLINT.

During the Banquet, Albany ARC President Sanford Knight and support staff will present awards to people we support for their successes, outstanding board members, and Albany ARC community awards. Community Partner Awards are divided into three categories for Community Service Awards, Collaborative Partner Awards and Employee Partner Awards. The Consumer Personal Achievement Awards and Annette’s Shining Star Awards are the highlight of the evening as people with disabilities are recognized for achieving specific goals from their Individual Service Plans (ISP) and come forward to receive their award.    

The Awards Banquet ticket is $25, which includes dinner. Anyone interested in attending should call Laura Calhoun or Eddie McCarty at Albany ARC at (229) 888-6852.

Awards to be presented:

Outstanding Board Member

Debbie Fulford

Community Service Award

Deerfield - Windsor School Class of 2023

The Junior League of Albany, GA, Inc.

St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church – Lap a Leprechaun Race 2015

Porterfield Memorial United Methodist Church – Women’s Circle

Gillespie Printers

The Cakery

Ms. Olive Craft

Corporal Phyllis Walters

Ms. Nancy Wright

Ms. Angelyn Lincey

Volunteer of the Year

Danny James

Vicky Leister

Collaborative Partner

Darton State College Occupational Therapy Department

Procter & Gamble

Lee County Middle School

MSA

Speakman Management Consulting

Publix Super Markets

Turner’s Fine Furniture

GVRA Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Columbus Regional Director Doreene Carlisle

GVRA Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Albany Rehabilitation Unit manager, Cathy Manuel

Employer Partners

VR of Albany

VR of Columbus

Global Works

Power Personnel

HS/HT Collaborative Partner

Kroger Foundation