The Handicapped Development Center (HDC) recently honored its participants, staff and agency supporters at its annual Recognition Dinner at Rhythm City Casino Resort, Davenport.
The event, held Thursday, Dec. 1, included the presentation of HDC’s Excellence Awards and The Gary Ashcraft Memorial Award.
Honorees were selected based on this criteria: displaying loyalty and initiative, above average performance on all job duties, excellent attendance and punctuality, promoting teamwork, volunteering at agency events, and maintaining a positive outlook.
Founded in 1969, HDC has been providing opportunities and assistance to more than 350 individuals with disabilities each year. Assistance is designed to help Individuals succeed, to achieve, grow, and be happy.
These staff members received awards:
- Megan Dillon, a mentor for the Daily Discovery West program, received an Excellence Award. She began an exercise program for the participants, setting a goal to do 1 million squats. After about 18 months of encouragement, the group achieved the goal.
- Tanica Ware, a mentor for the Daily Discovery West Program, works to ensure the participants engage in meaningful activities that promote fun and learning and approaches her duties with a sense of humor and a great attitude that positively influences others.
- Robyn Shaw, resident counselor, received the Community Residential Services Excellence Award. For more than five years, she has worked with a group of participants to help them live in the community. She also helps HDC out wherever she is needed.
- Shelley Nordeen, group home manager, received the Group Homes staff Excellence Award. Despite experiencing some challenges in her position, she maintains a positive attitude that helps provide a peaceful and comfortable home for HDC residents.
- Tess Haas, job coach, manages to juggle the duties of teaching participants work skills along with all the job coach scheduling. She is well-organized, has excellent attendance, possesses a strong work ethic, and consistently provides assistance to ensure individuals obtain and maintain their employment.
- Dawn Wilcox, Daily Discovery East lead mentor, received The Gary Ashcraft Memorial Award, which is given to a staff person who displays characteristics that made Gary Ashcraft unique. He was a participant at HDC who overcame many challenges and brought joy to many. Ms. Wilcox always performs her job with the HDC mission in mind and is a role model for treating all people with dignity and respect. She is instrumental in making sure participants enjoy their days by planning fun, educational, and engaging activities.
In addition, HDC presents Achievement Awards to participants in each of HDC’s program areas who have attained their goals, increased their abilities, and put forth extraordinary effort. The HDC participants who were recognized:
- Jamie Gerten earned the Daily Discovery West Achievement Award for his kindness, patience, and encouragement of others. He has achieved many goals, obtained a job in the community, and displayed a great attitude throughout the past year.
- Roger Prior earned the Daily Discovery East Achievement Award. Despite some major life changes the past year, he persevered, maintained his sense of humor, and embraced his new circumstances.
- Dale Barchman received the HDC Enterprises Award. He has worked at HDC in various capacities for 47 years and enjoys his job so much he has no plans for retirement. The quality of Dale’s work is exceptional and his dedication to the job is inspiring.
- Daniel Michael received the Residential Center Award. Since making the adjustment to his new home, he has achieved his goals and progressed personally in many important ways.
- Stephanie Kester received the Endeavor Living Award. She has made tremendous strides since moving to her new home including building relationships, learning new skills, and accepting the support she needs to succeed.
