Erie Homes for Children and Adults  Recognizes Volunteers, Celebrates Successes During Annual Dinner, October 15

(ERIE, PA—October 15, 2009)—Erie Homes for Children and Adults (EHCA) recognized their volunteers and celebrated their successes over the past year during an October 15 Annual Dinner at The Kahkwa Club (3300 Kahkwa Club Road, Erie) which kicked off at 6 p.m. with a social hour, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and a program at 8 p.m.

The agency acknowledged twenty-eight (28) volunteers, who have donated much time and talents to committee work, interacting with residents and program participants, or helping with landscaping.  Additionally, two long-time volunteers, Lee Swenson and Kathy Steele, who each recently resigned from EHCA’s board of directors, were honored with a Founder’s Award, given to individuals who have continued to impact the mission of the agency over a long period of time. 

Two Community Recognition Awards were also presented. Dr. Sara Lichtenwalter, Ph. D, LSW, and Gannon University received recognition for an in-depth analysis performed on EHCA’s Project First Step/Doula.  Mercyhurst North East also received recognition for its part in EHCA’s OASIS program.

The evening continued after the awards presentation with featured speaker: Beth Ann Sheldon, M Ed, RD, LDN, director of hospitality management at Mercyhurst-North East.  Sheldon shared her unique perspective of overseeing an EHCA program from a partner site.  OASIS, or Opportunities for Advancement for Students with Intellectual disability for Self-determination, is a collaboration between Mercyhurst North East and EHCA which allows high school graduates who have an intellectual disability attend regular college classes and earn a one-year culinary certification with the goal of future employment in the field.  This speech comes very timely, as October is National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month.

Approximately 130 local residents attended this event to show their support. 

The mission of EHCA is to assist people with disabilities to live rich and fulfilling lives by providing quality, comprehensive and accessible residential and community-based services for children and adults with developmental disabilities throughout Erie, Crawford, Venango, and Potter counties.   Since 1912, EHCA has been caring for local individuals and striving to help everyone served reach their full potential.