Arc of The Shoals holds its annual Awards Day

FLORENCE – The Arc of The Shoals recently recognized individuals and businesses who in the past year have contributed their time, money, and care to the organization. The Arc works to improve the quality of life for persons with intellectual disabilities and for their families.

The luncheon was held at Cross Point Church where nearly 300 people were in attendance.

Donna Basden Akins, Executive Director, told the audience that nominations for the awards were taken from the membership for each category. Some of the recipients are being submitted for statewide consideration to The Arc of Alabama. The Members of The Arc are called upon to make decisions for for the organization, raise funds for operation, volunteer for various activities and attend a minimum of one meeting a month.

The Quad-Cities Daily was there to photograph the event, and we present them here. Additionally there is a listing of Award Recipients following the photo gallery.

These photos are suitable for downloading and printing on a photo printer. Please remember that they are for personal, non-commercial use only.

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Angela Foster and Mary Jane McDonald and Connie Townsend – recently completed terms of office on our board of directors.

Special Recognition: 

Danny Clark’s Sunday School Class at Woodmont Baptist Church

Master Gardeners

Jennifer Adams

Lawrence Kimbrough

Frank Gordon

Billy Conley

Trinity Episcopal Church

Home Depot

Economy Carpet

The Distinguished Community Service Award for an Individual

This award is given to recognize an individual who has provided substantial support to individuals with developmental disabilities.  This year’s recipient is the youngest person our organization has ever recognized.  – Lori Pounders.

The Distinguished Community Service Award for an Organization: Centivia Flooring

Teacher of the Year:    “Each year The Arc of the Shoals recognizes a teacher in the public school system who has demonstrated excellence in teaching persons with intellectual disabilities in a classroom setting.  This year’s nominee teaches 12^th grade English and Creative Writing in the Florence City School System.  Twenty five years ago she was a pioneer in inclusion of students with intellectual disabilities in regular classrooms.  She continues that work today. –  Darlene Freeman

COMMUNITY MEDIA EXCELLENCE AWARD – presented to television, radio, internet, and/or print media for outstanding efforts that create better public understanding of intellectual and developmental disabilities and individuals with these disabilities.

The triumphs, accomplishment, challenges and needs of persons with disabilities are often overlooked by the media in favor of more newsworthy, high profile, or flashy subjects.  In the Shoals Area however, we are fortunate to have an internet source, The Quad Cities Daily, which has a caring spirit and an obvious goal of improving and showcasing the contributions and positive qualities of persons with disabilities.

The Arc first met Steve and Sheri Wiggins, owners of Quad Cities Daily, when they produced a short documentary of local United Way agencies.  Since the birth of QCD, the Wiggins have invited and showcased significant events in the lives of persons with disabilities supported by The Arc.  They are always welcome participants in every community endeavor we attempt, and take beautiful photographs of the people we support.  They have recently highlighted our efforts to open several new group homes and the challenges offered by the endeavor.   – Steve & Sheri Wiggins

Volunteer of the Year:  This award is given each year to recognize a volunteer who has given generously of time and talents to accomplish the mission of The Arc.  This year’s Volunteers of the Year are from UNA’s Volunteer program.

The Arc is announcing at this time the permanent naming of the Volunteer of the Year Award the Murray Townsend Award.  This action is being taken to honor Murray Townsend, a tireless advocate on a local, state and national level for people with intellectual disabilities.  He challenges The Arc to seek new opportunities for growth and those in the state mental health system to seek progress and efficiency.  One of his most passionate missions is to end the waiting list in Alabama, which currently has over 3,000 people with intellectual disabilities waiting for services.

The Arc also announced a new home for the people we support is being named The Townsend Home in Murray’s honor. – UNA’s Volunteer program

The Professional of the Year Award is given to recognize an individual employed in a professional capacity who has demonstrated sensitivity and the ability to provide outstanding quality services for people with developmental disabilities. This year’s recipient is Lagretta Ratliff, Region I Director for the Alabama Department of Mental Health.  Lagretta has worked diligently to assist people with intellectual disabilities and their families in securing needed, appropriate and quality services.

The Arc is naming a new home the Ratliff home in Lagretta’s honor.

– Lagretta Ratliff

Employee Recognition 

Ask all current staff members to stand for recognition and add embellishments.   When through, move on to anniversary awards by saying:

Donna:  “At this time we would like to recognize employees who have reached significant anniversary milestones with our organization.

The Cheryl Anderson award is named for long-time staff member Cheryl Anderson.  The award is given to an employee who understands the mission of The Arc and works tirelessly toward its achievement. – Barbara Conley….Person of the Year 

Self Determination Award to recognize an outstanding individual with an intellectual disability who is an achieving integrated member of society.”  Donna will embellish.  – David Hicks