2010 Community Awards Presented on June 4

The Advocacy Center presented our annual Community Awards on Friday, June 4, 2010 at our fifth annual Night of Hot Jazz and Cool Art.

Mark Wolcott accepted the Corporate Support Award on behalf of KeyBank.  KeyBank has been The Advocacy Center’s banking partner for over 10 years.  We are proud to have a local business partner with whom we share common values.  Both of our organizations recognize the value of diversity and inclusion, and the importance of creating opportunities where all people can contribute their unique characteristics, abilities and talents.  We thank them for their steadfast support of our mission.

The Community Inclusion Award was presented to Carolyn Salvatore.  This award honors an individual whose actions have led to the successful inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families in their communities.  Thanks to the vision and perseverance of individuals like Carolyn Salvatore, a campus experience for people with disabilities has evolved from a dream into reality.  In 2001, Ms. Salvatore approached Roberts Wesleyan president, Dr. John Martin, with an idea to create a transition program for students with disabilities on the campus.   Within one year, this idea was implemented and Carolyn immediately began advocating for student access to a variety of campus facilities.  From modest beginnings, Carolyn nurtured the program into what today is an integral part of the Roberts Wesleyan community.  Ms. Salvatore was joined at the event by colleagues from BOCES 2 and Roberts Wesleyan College.

Ruth Whiting was recognized with the Jeanne Krautwurst Award for her tireless efforts to improve the quality of life for daughter.  Ms. Whiting exemplifies a mother’s love for her children. Twenty-seven years ago, Ruth’s grown daughter, Kathleen, was involved in an accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury.  Today, Ms. Whiting is 88 years old and continues to live with Kathleen as her primary caregiver. Because of Ruth’s dedication and love for her daughter, Kathleen is a vibrant woman who enjoys shopping, tending plants, and cheering on the New York Yankees.   Ruth’s challenges have not dimmed her attitude. She was nominated by Mary Beth MacClaren of the Catholic Family Center who says, “Ruth is the most upbeat, positive, and optimistic person I have ever met.”

In recognition of his pioneering efforts on behalf of individuals with disabilities and their families. Dr. Carl Case is the recipient of the Barbara Bryson Award.  For 25 years, Dr. Case has been a leader in organizations that serve individuals with disabilities. In 1985, Dr. Case and his wife Marsha created a support group for parents of children with Down syndrome.  He is President of the Forney Foundation in Olean, NY which is committed to improving the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and he has served on several committees in western New York.  Carl is a NYS Special Olympics Coach and has also served as Area Coordinator and treasurer of Special Olympics for Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.  Dr. Case is Professor, Business Information Systems, at St. Bonaventure University. His commitment to individuals with disabilities extends to his professional life on campus, working for several years on the University’s Disability Awareness Events.  Dr. Barbara C. Trolley, St. Bonaventure’s Disability Committee Chair, nominated Dr. Case and describes him as “one of the warmest, kindest, humblest, and down to earth people I know.”

Dr. Marie Cianca accepted the Community Education Award, honoring a devoted individual in the field of education who, through extraordinary efforts, has provided for the educational needs of students with disabilities.   Dr. Cianca has been an advocate for students with disabilities throughout her career. As a New York State Education Department official, high school principal, and district administrator, Marie championed special education policies that “pushed the envelope” on access to classrooms and curriculum.  She implemented these policies with professional development for teachers, supervision and coaching for principals, gathering resources for children, and fostering partnerships with parents.  As an Education professor at St. John Fisher College, Dr. Cianca works with The Advocacy Center to offer authentic parent-partnership experiences for teacher candidates.  She has co-written two articles in a national and state journal describing the partnership and has co-presented at national and state conferences.  Dr. Michael Wischnowski, the colleague who nominated Dr. Cianca says: “Her vision, grace, and leadership are making a difference in the lives of many future teachers, leaders, parents, and children in the Greater Rochester area.”    

Ms. Cheryl Vining was honored with the Self Advocacy Award which is presented to an individual with a disability who leads the direction of his or her daily life through advocacy and personal choice.  Some people work persistently toward a goal and in the process, inspire everyone around them. Cheryl Vining inspires those around her with her dedication and persistence toward achieving her goal of getting her driver’s license and buying a car.   Ms. Vining has worked with The Advocacy Center’s Benefits specialist to create a Plan for Achieving Self-Support (a PASS plan). Thanks to Jennifer Blais for nominating Cheryl.  Jennifer says, “I am truly impressed with Ms. Vining’s dedication to her work and uplifting spirit as she moves towards independence and self-sufficiency.”

Camille Enaharo is the recipient of the Student Award, honoring a student whose efforts have made a positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities.  Camille volunteers for TIES, Together Including Every Student.  TIES volunteers are teenagers who support students with disabilities in community activities. TIES is typically run through school districts, but Camille’s district does not currently have a TIES program.  Kathy Costello, TIES director, notes that “this did not deter Camille from contacting me to express her interest in volunteering.”  Kathy describes Camille as “the hope we can have for all our students when they become young adults who will enrich our community.”