Brick it Again is receiving this award because Jawnio hasn’t created just a store, but a center for education and life-changing experiences and have become a pillar in the community for not only Lego hobbyists, but also a venue for social gatherings for all community members. It’s a testament to the power of inclusion and the potential within everyone. It’s a place where Lego bricks become building blocks for a brighter future.
The Distinguished Service Award is given in recognition of exemplary service to people with disabilities working on policies and negotiating complex pathways to ensure people in New York State have access to services and supports that will allow them to lead a life based on their preferences and needs.
Kate Marlay’s efforts have often been lost in the larger discussions of rates and the immediate issue at hand, but we truly believe that during COVID, and subsequently with her work in establishing homes and enabling supports, the field has finally fully grasped the value of her efforts. Both the COVID and tele-services expansions were federal negotiations that yielded huge benefits for the disability field, and for that, and so much more, she is being recognized.
The Anthony J. Koenig Volunteer Service Award recognizes some of the best and brightest among us and honor their contribution to the CP Family and to the disability field at large.
The Natalie Rogers Employee of the Year Award is given to a staff member from a CP State Affiliate who has set the highest standard of excellence in their support of people with disabilities. It’s named for Natalie Katz Rogers, who until her passing last year, was active with Queens Centers for Progress (QCP) since 1948.
She devoted a lifetime toward bettering opportunities for people with disabilities as a member of the QCP Board of Directors, QCP board president, president of CP of NYS, and regional vice president and secretary of the national organization.
The Clinician of the Year Award reflects CP State’s long clinical history and is given to honor a clinician who has worked to positively change the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through their work within an CP Affiliate or related program. Honorees are recognized based on their advocacy for health equity, commitment to improving the diagnoses and treatment of people with disabilities, and improving the general clinician community’s knowledge and understanding of effective treatments for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This award recognizes those who set a standard for others to follow and whose dedication has improved the quality of life for people with disabilities.
Our winner this year has worked relentlessly to educate our funding agencies and our legislators on the critical role our clinics hold in delivering services, and the inadequacy in the funding to perform those services. He took the initiative to carry a message and take on the challenge to remove the inequity and financial loss in clinic operations that has existed for our members for many years. His efforts resulted in an adjustment to the clinic rate, which is the first State recognition of our field since we first got the APG add-on so many years ago. He embodies this award because he serves as a role model for all leaders, with the belief that we all have the responsibility to drive change through planful advocacy, education, and commitment to a service system that delivers the highest quality of care to people with disabilities.
Award is given to honor a Direct Support Professional at an Affiliate whose dedication and effort reflects an exemplary standard of excellence and who has made significant contributions to the quality of life of the people they support.
The Al Felmet Achievement Award is presented to recognize a person who has cerebral palsy and has set a standard of determination and success that we can all aspire to achieve.
Kevin Connolly is the former New York State Elks President and a proud member of Pearl River Lodge #2041. As State President, Kevin went above and beyond to champion causes close to his heart, especially his unwavering support for people with disabilities. Kevin embodies the Elks’ mission of service, and as State President, his dedication to the motto, ‘Elks Care, Elks Share,’ is truly inspiring.
The Rising Star Award is given to young volunteers who have demonstrated leadership skills that identify them as one of tomorrow’s CP leaders. Critical components of their skills are collaboration, innovation, peer support, and willingness to take part in a wide range of projects to fulfill the Affiliate’s mission.