The Advocacy Center presented our annual Community Awards on Friday, June 5, 2009 at the fourth annual "Night of Hot Jazz and Cool Art."   

Matt MacKinnon was on hand to accept the Corporate Support Award on behalf of MVP Health Care.  MVP, formerly Preferred Care, has been a consistent supporter of The Advocacy Center.  We are proud to work together with MVP Health Care to build a strong community.

Ashley Manchester received the Community Inclusion Award for her exceptional commitment to including individuals with disabilities and their families in their communities.  In her role as a martial arts instructor at Martial Arts of America, Ashley creates a supportive and inclusive environment for all of her students.  Her patience, encouragement, and support are catalysts which allow all of her students to succeed.  Ashley was nominated by Zvi and Shoshana Brayman and Carol Schneiderman.

The Jeanne Krautwurst Award for Family Advocacy was presented to Brenda Hanson in recognition of her tireless efforts to improve the quality of life for her daughter.  Brenda is the mother of Sarah, a beautiful 12 year old girl who has endured serious medical issues her whole life.  Brenda has worked tirelessly to ensure that her daughter receives the very best medical care.  In fact, her role as mom has extended to that of nurse.  Brenda has also worked collaboratively with Sarah’s school, communicating with them regularly to ensure that Sarah receives proper treatment and equipment.  Brenda was joined at the event by her husband, Mark, and staff from Pioneer Central School District, who nominated her.

Susan Doyle, a teacher at Finger Lakes Community College, received the Education Award for her exceptional commitment to provide for the educational needs of students with disabilities.  She was nominated by one of her students, Sumer Miller, who says of Sue, “She is an amazing person to work with.  She knows my work habits and tries to make them better.  I can’t thank Sue enough for all the hard work she does in helping me to be the successful person that I am and helping me to reach my goal.”

The Barbara Bryson Award was presented to Cheryl Englert for her pioneering efforts on behalf of individuals with disabilities and their families.   Cheryl Englert has spent much of her adult life advocating for and working with individuals with disabilities.  She is the parent of two adult sons, one of whom has a developmental disability, but her involvement extends well beyond her own family.  Cheryl’s chosen career as a special education teacher allows her to guide and support students with disabilities every day.  Cheryl serves on many boards and committees, both locally and on a statewide level. 

Emily Johncox is the recipient of the 2009 Student Award for her exceptional commitment to individuals with disabilities.   Emily Johncox is a caring and compassionate teenager who has devoted hundreds of hours to The Advocacy Center’s Pre-Self Determination program.  This program provides teenagers with developmental disabilities an opportunity to explore options for their future.  Emily’s commitment and creativity have contributed to the success of the program, broadening the horizons for the many participants.

James Ciurca received the Self Advocacy Award in recognition of his efforts to live his life through advocacy and personal choice.  Shannon Polny says it best in her nomination of James:  “He is dedicated to becoming a social worker to help other individuals with disabilities see that they too have the ability to advocate for themselves, for their desires, for their life.  Jim is a role model for showing others what can be accomplished with a dream, drive, and dedication.”

Congratulations to all of the recipients of The Advocacy Center's 2009 Community Awards!