Congressman Jim Himes accepts art work from ARI Client & Artist-Samantha Downing. Along with the Congressman and Samantha Downing are ARI President & CEO Matthew Reyher and ARI Chairperson Allan Sussman
ARI of Connecticut, Inc. (Always Reaching for Independence) held its 57th Annual Meeting on Monday June 29, 2009 at the Knights of Columbus in Stamford, CT. Over 120 people were in attendance for the event. Included in the attendees were staff, board members, clients, and other community leaders. Special guest Congressman Jim Himes delivered the keynote speech stressing the importance of non-profit work and thanked the employees and board of ARI for their dedicated work.
Chairperson Allan Sussman and President & CEO Matthew Reyher both spoke about the great work being done at ARI and noted the accomplishments of the past year. Of the accomplishments noted include a 3 year CARF-Commission of Accreditation for Rehabilitative Facilities, the creation & implementation of a strategic plan, establishment of the ARI Endowment Program, and much more.
Secretary of the Board of Directors, John Downing announced the new slate of officers and incoming board members. Joining Chairperson Allan Sussman on the Executive Committee are Christopher Foxall, Chairperson elect, Gail Malloy, Vice Chairperson, Kamalesh Banerjee, Treasurer, and John Downing, Secretary. Nine new board members were unanimously elected. They include Clare Liberis, Bonnie Kim Campbell, Peter LaForte, Neftali Soto, Scott Wich, Dara Rosenbaum, Vernetta Gallop, Amy Grabowski, and Candy Knott.
Matthew Reyher, President/CEO, presented recognition plaques to the major sponsors and supporters of the 3rd Annual Walk for Independence. Among those in attendance receiving these awards included: Peter Buck, Creative Pension Design and Administration and Ed Napolitano, Thomson-Reuters.
ARI awarded its annual volunteer of the year award to members of the ARI Youth Corp and BuildOn (formerly Building with Books) for their continued support to the ARI Recreation Program.
ARI awarded its annual employer of the year award to Stop & Shop. Stop & Shop was recognized for their continued support in employing ARI clients. Currently Stop & Shop employs ten ARI clients. Michael Lauro from Stop & Shop accepted the award.
ARI then awarded their staff awards. The following employees were honored:
5 years of service—Carline Archer
5 years of service—Matt Whyte
5 years of service—Maxine Mereigh
5 years of service—Lisa Anderson
5 years of service—Renee Atkins
5 years of service—Carla Wright
5 years of service—Marjorie Mair-Riley
5 years of service—Deborah Cameron
5 years of service—Pauline Rafalco
5 years of service—Veola Flemming
5 years of service—Karen McIntosh
5 years of service—Laura Floyd
10 years of service—Cynthia Lowe
10 years of service—Octavia Pollard
10 years of service—Paulette Wilson
15 years of service—Tammy DeLeo
15 years of service—Darlene Caviness
Rookie of the Year—Ebony Grant
Heart of the Agency—Carlette Brisseaux
Always Reaching for Independence—Tysha Smith
ARI Team Award—Day Services Basic Skills—Cynthia Lowe & Robin Dimmock
Beatrice Grabell was specially honored with citations from Mayor Dannel Malloy & State Treasurer Denise Napier for celebrating her 30 years of service to the ARI Finance Department.
ARI of Connecticut provides jobs, homes, and services to over 150 adults with disabilities and is located in Stamford, CT. ARI operates 5 group homes and provides residential supports to over 30 adults living in apartment settings. The mission is “Enriching the lives of people with disabilities and their families by enabling them to achieve their fullest potential at home, at work and in the community.”
ARI would like to thank each and every individual in attendance along with those that were unable to attend for all they have done for our agency in the past year. For a copy of the 2009 Annual Report contact Gerard J. Gasparino, Manager of Development & Recreation at (203) 324-9258 ext. 3023 or visit us at www.arict.org.
