The Arc of Mower County celebrated 60 years of service on Tuesday, May 22 with over 50 members, self-advocates and community members in attendance. The highlight of the evening was the awards that were presented.

The Community Partner of the Year Award was given to Worlein Funeral Home. Paul and Joanne have not only contributed to The Arc on a personal level but have also given financial support through Worlein Funeral Home by becoming a Top Chef Sponsor at the 2nd Annual Taste of Mower County. They have also supported The Arc by attending fundraisers and making financial donations throughout the years.

The Direct Service Professional of the Year Award was given to Amy Blackstad. Amy Blackstad has been working with people with disabilities for 22 years. Amy started with Cardinal where she currently works as a direct care staff in 1995, moved up to a Residential Supervisor a year later and then moved up to Program Director. Amy oversees the 3 Austin houses (Cardinal Circle, Southwind and Orchard Creek) and oversees SILS clients. Amy is a wonderful giving person who always has a smile to share. Amy always makes everyone feel like we all belong.

The Distinguished Service Award was given to Thrivent Financial for Lutherans — Laura Tjomsland. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has partnered with The Arc of Mower County on several fundraisers in the past few years helping The Arc raise much needed funds. Laura Tjomsland works is a Thrivent representative in Austin. Laura also sits on the Noon Kiwanis which is a sponsor of The Arc’s People First group. As you can see, Laura Tjomsland has and will be playing a major role in the promotion of The Arc’s services for a long time.

The Robert Qual Memorial Self-Advocate of the Year Award was given to Amber Carter. Amber Carter is very active in The Arc. She participates in a lot of activities and is the Self-Advocates Minnesota representative in the People First Aktion Club. Amber has been helping to plan the SAM Conference in June by attending meetings in Rochester. Amber has lived in a group for several years with three other ladies. Several months ago, Amber began working with Tammy Flicek, The Arc’s Housing Coordinator, to find a place that Amber could move into. Tammy and Amber set out on a search for the right place and after a few weeks of searching, Amber found the place that she liked the most. Amber will be moving out of a group home in about a week to her own apartment. Amber has blossomed into a beautiful young woman and has grown with more self-esteem and confidence.

The Volunteer of the Year Award was given to John Gray. John Gray has been volunteering at The Arc for about a year. He became a Level 1 certified coach for Mower County Special Olympics last year. He attended several bowling tournaments last fall and has attended bowling almost every Wednesday this past bowling season. John helps bowlers with his knowledge he has learned while being on a bowling league and coach and has made a lot of new friends. John fit in so beautifully. He has been a perfect match with all of our volunteer needs. John will even volunteer, even when he has a house full of family for a holiday get together.

Jamey Helgeson is the Program Director at The Arc of Mower County and can be reached at jamey@arcmowercounty.org or by calling 507-433-8994, Extension 102. You can also visit our website (www.arcmowercounty.org) and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.