SPIN Brighter Futures Award Winners

Natalie Schwartz	Deneen McCaffrey

On Friday, March 7, 2014 Philadelphia Intellectual Disabilities Services (IDS) recognized Intellectual Disability Awareness Month with its Annual Brighter Futures Award Event. Along with an exciting Wellness Expo and Panel of experts focused on Health Care Reform, the day was highlighted by the Annual Brighter Futures Awards Luncheon.  A large group of SPIN employees, friends and family were pleased and proud to be in attendance to witness the following four very deserving SPIN nominees including three award winners and one honorable mention.

Natalie Schwartz, Award Winner.  Natalie was nominated by her support team for achieving her personal outcomes and then some! Her growth, development and resilience is recognized in her home life, successful volunteer activities, exploration for employment, and love of family. Natalie looked beautiful on Friday when she accepted her award in front of an audience of hundreds and gave her incredible acceptance speech. The audience was fortunate to also hear Natalie, in her beautiful; voice, sing a special song dedicated to her family, friends and support team. WOW, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room! Congratulations Natalie on this very deserving award!

Deneen McCaffrey, Academy Injury, Award Winner.  Deneen, nominated by Andrea Davies and Chelsea Lutts has been an employment partner of SPIN for over three years.  Deneen believes in SPIN and all that is possible for people with disability.  Therefore, she employed Sami after seeing her capabilities.  Deneen and her husband Frank have been creative in developing employment opportunities for Sami; in fact, Sami was promoted last month based upon her great work. Deneen eloquently encouraged all employers to be creative and employ someone with a disability because it is a WIN-WIN situation for all. SPIN can’t thank Deneen and Frank enough for their ongoing dedication to SPIN and supporting Sami to live a life of possibilities!

Ken Karle, Willits Pharmacy, Award Winner.  Ken, nominated by Nicole Burns, Kim Chapman and Colleen Horcher, has been a longtime SPIN partner and supporter, ensuring the best possible health of people receiving residential support from SPIN. Ken and his team understand the changing needs of the people we support and provide creative, life enhancing strategies and resources concerning medication. They support all individuals and support staff through their “whatever it takes”, positive, caring approach. Ken, in his acceptance speech, thanked the SPIN Health Services and Residential Teams for their partnership and congratulated SPIN on its best practice, quality services and supports. Ken and his team certainly are supporting people to live a life of Possibilities!  

Adele Ginyard, Lifesharing Provider, Honorable Mention. Adele, nominated by Olu Akinboro and Joy Marshall, has been providing Lifesharing support to Harold, a cheerful and friendly gentleman who is nearly eighty years old for over ten years.  Through Adele’s strong commitment to Harold, she ensures that he has the best possible outcomes by providing a warm and nurturing family life and opportunities for him to participate fully in his community. Adele and Harold have a unique relationship built on mutual respect, trust and love. She supports him in a way that someone who truly cares about another person would. Through her incredible commitment to Harold she has unlocked the doors of all that is possible and has turned Harold’s dream of being a valued member of a family and a community into a reality.

Congratulations SPIN Brighter Futures Award Winners!