MOUNT VERNON – Three local service providers received awards from the Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities for their work to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities in the community.
This year’s WOW! Award winner is Morgan Velliquette, an independent provider recognized for her support of a 71-year-old client. Her nominator said, “Not only does she care for his personal care needs, but she and her family have embraced him and included him in their family gatherings.” The client joined Velliquette’s family for Memorial Day festivities, and she helped him locate his mother’s grave in Youngstown. “This was very meaningful to him,” the nomination said.
The Rockstar Rookie Award was split between two recipients, Kelly Lewis (New Hope Industries) and Jasmine Lewis (Gantt Homes). Kelly Lewis stepped up to fill a staff vacancy and built a reputation that “individuals in her area love her and are always happy to see her when they arrive.” Jasmine Lewis is “a wonderful, hard-working, star employee,” a nominator wrote, with dedication and a positive outlook. "The sky is the limit for Jasmine, and we are blessed to have her on our team.”
The Calm in the Eye of the Storm Award winner is Bev Roscoe, recognized for serving an individual for over three years. “She has amazed me on what she is willing to do on her own time and dime for the person she supports,” a nominator wrote. Roscoe even bought a hospital bed and lift for her client out of her own personal funds. “Bev and her husband love him like he's family and he loves them right back,” the nomination said.
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