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Vinfen Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Gala Reception
Carey and Morrissey each received the inaugural Vinfen Transforming Lives Award, which honors distinguished careers in the treatment of mental illness and developmental disabilities.
Carey has been executive director of the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health for the past 31 years. In 2001, he received the Lilo McMillan Award from the Mass. Department of Mental Health in recognition of his advocacy and work on behalf of people with mental illness and their families.
Morrissey recently completed a 10-year term as commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation. He is currently Senior Director of Program Services for the Boston branch of The MENTOR Network, a national network of local human services providers offering an array of community-based services to adults and children.
“Our work has been rewarding,” said Morrissey. “We had the honor to assist families and individuals in overcoming great odds, and left a tradition of service for future care-givers.”
Vinfen CEO Gary Lamson, Vinfen chair Karen Quigley and Geri Denterlein, who has worked with both men in many capacities, paid tribute to Carey and Morrissey before the award presentation.
The awards themselves were special. Both men received inscribed pieces of original artwork created by individuals served by Vinfen programs. Carey received Volcanic Galaxies, a pen and ink work by Ray Ryan. Morrissey’s gift was Paul Revere’s House, a watercolor painting by Carmella Salvucci.
“It’s success stories like Ray Ryan that play out, one individual at a time, and keep us focused every day,” Carey said. “It’s why we all believe in the community system.”
One of the more emotional parts of the evening consisted of brief testimonials from three individuals served by Vinfen programs, Ryan, Ruby Pearl and Amy Smith.
Midway through the program, pianist/singer Tony DeBlois entertained the crowd with a fine rendition of Carole King’s “You’ll Find Me There.” The evening came to a close with DuBlois accompanying Vinfen staffer Sara Bielanski as she sang the John Lennon classic, “Imagine.”
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