Vinfen Family Council Salutes Local Heroes

September 16th, 2010

NEWS RELEASE
Vinfen Corporation
Communications & Public Affairs Dept.
950 Cambridge Street
Cambridge, MA 02141
617-441-1800
www.vinfen.org

For immediate release:  (Click here for the PDF)
September 16, 2010

VINFEN FAMILY COUNCIL SALUTES LOCAL HEROES

(Norwood, MA) – Vinfen Corporation, a leading non-profit human services organization that provides services to individuals with psychiatric and developmental disabilities, honored family members who care for individuals with developmental and psychiatric disabilities at an event at the Four Points by Sheraton in Norwood on September 15th.

WCVB’s Susan Wornick was the Master of Ceremonies for the 3rd annual “Honoring Our Local Heroes” event. Wornick, anchor of WCVB’s midday newscast and an Emmy award winning consumer reporter, spends a tremendous amount of time volunteering in the community for many non-profit organizations.

Susan Senator, author of Making Peace with Autism and The Autism Mom’s Survival Guide, gave the keynote address. Senator received the Educator Award for her inspirational books and advocacy work on behalf of parents and individuals with autism.

The Vinfen Family Advisory Council presented Representative John Scibak (D) South Hadley with the Legislator Hero Award because of his advocacy work over the years on Beacon Hill on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Scibak helped secure the passage of an oral health bill which creates new ways to provide oral healthcare to underserved populations. He also helped shape healthcare reform in Massachusetts.

The Advocate Award was presented posthumously to Craig Smith who co-founded Mass Standing Strong a group that promotes self-advocacy. The award is being named the Craig Smith Advocate Award in his honor.

The Staff Hero Award was presented to Leonard Kimani, the site manager at the Washington Street residence in Randolph. Leonard was nominated by Dorothea Peters, whose son Dennis is cared for by Leonard and his team. “Leonard goes above and beyond because of his caring and gentle approach,” said Mrs. Peters.

The nominees were chosen by Vinfen staff and family advisors for their extraordinary and selfless care they provide for their loved ones. Many were nominated because they are committed to advocacy, educational and leadership activities or work to improve services for other families. Some
created innovative programs and inspired other family members to become more involved in Vinfen’s mission.

“It’s wonderful to acknowledge family members and the efforts of the Family Advisory Council,” said Kathleen Crawford, Chairperson. “This event really strengthens the partnership between the Council and Vinfen.

Local Heroes
Mary Anderson – Bloomfield, CT.
Carol Thompson – Jamaica Plain, MA.
Nancy Henry – Waltham, MA.
Rogera Robinson – Brighton, MA.
Rev. John Odams – Dorchester, MA.
Robert March – Winchester, N.H.
Roberta Cochran – Waltham, MA.
Robert Berman – Peabody, MA.
Denise Aronson – Hull, MA.
Janet Dargon – Norwood, MA.
Richard and Diana Wass – Avon, MA.
Roberta Cochran – Waltham, MA.

To read the Local Hero bios, click here.

To watch videos of Local Heroes Linda Zack and Michael Zack, Mary Anderson and Rogera Robinson, please click here.

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