Annual Awards Nominations

2012
The Arc Community Advocates presents awards each year to recognize the work of individuals with disabilities, volunteers, professionals, and organizations to improve the lives of those with disabilities in our community. We are accepting nominations for 2012 through August 31st. Nominations are limited to one page and should include: Name of the individual being nominated Contact information for the individual being nominated The name of the award for which s/he is being nominated A description of why you feel they deserve the award The name of the person submitting the nomination Contact information for the person submitting the nomination Please submit nominations to: Ellen Stone, Executive Director e-mail: estone@communityadvocates.org Fax: 269.342.4638 US Mail: 814 S Westnedge, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Award information: INDIVIDUAL SERVICE AWARD - The recipient of this award is a person who has directly assisted a person(s) with a developmental disability in one or more of the following ways: 1. Worked to insure that the needs of the person(s) are met in the least restrictive way. 2. Given freely of time and talents to speak up on behalf of another person. 3. Consistently worked toward meeting specific needs of another person for a significant period of time. COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD - The recipient of this award is an individual who has made significant contributions in the following areas: 1. Active, long-term participation in Community Advocates. 2. Provided leadership and direction in the field of developmental disabilities. 3. Involvement in a wide range of activities or service areas. 4. Set an example for the public that reflects an attitude of respect toward persons with developmental disabilities. 5. Contributed to the improvement of services for persons with developmental disabilities in Kalamazoo County. SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION AWARD - The recipient of this award may be a volunteer(s) or an organization who has contributed in the following ways toward the development of a project or program that has had significant impact on a group of individuals with developmental disabilities. 1. Resulted in a program or project that has been in existence for at least six months. 2. The award may be given to an organization or a volunteer (a professional serving in a volunteer capacity is eligible). TRAILBLAZER AWARD - The recipient of this award is an individual with a disability who has set an example for others to follow in participating in the life of the community.

 THE COMMUNITY ADVOCATES AWARD - The recipient of this award has set standards in performance, commitment and character and has set an example of service to others over a lifetime of service. This award is not given every year, but only when a nomination is made for truly exceptional service. PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD - The recipient of this award is a professional whose work has been marked by excellence in performance, dedication to principle and the people s/he serves, and a history of contributions to the community and to the field. PAM MILLER SELF DETERMINATION AWARD - This award is given annually by Community Advocates to an individual with a developmental disability who exemplifies the spirit of a self-directed life that Pam valued so highly. The recipient will be recognized for examples of self determination in making decisions about his/her life. The award will include a cash grant to support a project that exemplifies self determination. GEORGE MARTIN SCHOLARSHIP - This scholarship award, established in 2008, will be awarded to a member or participant in Community Advocates programming to allow participation in the community in an area of personal interest.