Living the Values Awards Luncheon

On Friday, October 26, Empower honored people and organizations that uphold its core values and mission to empower people to live their best lives as they define them.

Empower Values Excellence: 2018 Person Power Award: Santino Bax

Santino is hard-working and achieved his dream of getting a job in the community with support from the Empower to Work Program.  With help from employment specialist, Jennifer, Santino got a job at a restaurant in Lewiston.  He also works at Empties for Empower one day a week where he encourages his co-workers to also reach for their own dreams.  Congratulations, Santino!

Empower Values Accountability: Faithful Funder Award: Elks Lockport Lodge #41, Elks Niagara Falls Lodge #346, Niagara County Central Rotary Club, Sertoma Club of Niagara Falls

This year, Empower gave the Faithful Funder Award to four fraternal organizations who each have long histories of generously supporting the agency and the people who receive services: Elks Lockport Lodge #41, Elks Niagara Falls Lodge #346, Niagara County Central Rotary Club and Sertoma Club of Niagara Falls.

Empower Values Dignity, Exceptional Employer Award: The Conference and Event Center Niagara Falls

The Conference and Event Center Niagara Falls was chosen to receive Empower’s 2018 Exceptional Employer award because of its willingness to hire and retain employees with disabilities.  Currently, there are 4 people with intellectual or developmental disabilities who work as kitchen stewards there, with plans for more hires in the future.  Congratulations!

Empower Values Collaboration, Priceless Partner Award: Riester Physical Therapy

Riester Physical Therapy was selected as Empower’s 2018 Priceless Partner for their enthusiasm and expertise at providing physical therapy treatment to people with intellectual or developmental disabilities through Empower’s Community Health Clinic over the last 9 years.  Congratulations!

Empower Values Leadership, Dr. Salvatore M. Passanese Leadership Award: Kirk Maurer and Kevin Penberthy

Kirk Maurer, Regional Director and Kevin Penberthy, Deputy Regional Director of New York State’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities in Region 1 each received the Dr. Salvatore M. Passanese Leadership Award for guiding disability services and supports to be more person-centered and community-based.