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| (left to right): Mike Damiano (Allegany Arc’s Chief Executive Officer), Joni Vallieres and Thomas Talbett Jr. (Allegany Arc Board Member) stand for a photo after receiving her award. |
On Friday, October 12, 2018, The Arc New York honored local
Joni Vallieres as the Western Region recipient of The Arc New York’s Thomas A.
Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award at their annual convention.
Joni is one of only four award recipients across the state of New York to
receive the $2,500 award.
Presented by The Arc New York, the Thomas A. Maul Direct
Support Professional Excellence Award is an award to acknowledge the work of a
direct support professional from each Arc New York region who consistently
demonstrates excellence, creativity and commitment in providing supports to
people who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
Joni Vallieres, a direct support professional with Allegany
Arc for 26 years, received this year’s Thomas Maul award – given to a direct
support professional who has demonstrated exemplary performance and commitment
to improving the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities.
Joni is only the second employee from Allegany Arc to ever receive the award.
Colleagues describe Joni as a dedicated worker who shows up
early, stays late, and puts in any time needed to assist her coworkers. One
colleague said, “Joni happily serves as a mentor to new staff. She works
side-by-side with them to make sure they feel comfortable. She introduces them
to everyone, explains programs and demonstrates tasks. She knows when to help
out and when to stand back and let others learn.” Another colleague said, “Joni
consistently seeks new education/skills growth opportunities. Joni trains new
staff within the day habilitation department because she is thorough in her
job, is easy to confront/question and willing to go the extra step.”
Allegany Arc’s Chief Executive Officer Mike Damiano had this
to say about Joni, “I am honored to recognize Joni Vallieres as the Western
Region’s recipient of The Arc New York’s Thomas A. Maul Direct Support
Professional Excellence Award. Joni lives out Allegany Arc’s mission of
providing the highest quality opportunities for people with special needs and
their families daily. She is always respectful to the dignity, independence,
culture, and rights of the individuals she serves and has built strong
relationships with many of them. Congratulations to Joni – Allegany Arc is
excited to have you honored with this well-deserved award.”
For more information on Allegany Arc, please visit the Arc
website at www.AlleganyArc.org or find us on facebook: www.facebook.com/AlleganyArc..
