On Wednesday, April 28, 2010, the MHA Board of Directors proudly honored Adrian Ewing, Edna Lingenfelter, Josh Pollard and Scot Valimont with the Above and Beyond Award.
Their immediate response in an urgent situation demonstrated a confidence and strength of character that reflects the kind of compassionate fellowship that makes the MHA what it is; a setting of help, encouragement and support.
Here are the biographies of each of these four individuals and their comments about receiving the award:
Adrian has worked on Center Team now for 4 months. He has always loved people. He is a talkative people person. Adrian tries to operate his life with love. Adrian is part of a big, Christian, loving family. He loves to sing, read, write, fish and hunt. Adrian is VERY politically active and ran for City Council last year.
Adrian is a father. He is involved with Erie Diocese which is another passion of his; trying to give the opportunity to more kids to have the chance to attend catholic schools. Adrian is also the founder of Kids Matter Too (Child Advocacy Group)
Edna is 40 years old and has 4 brothers and 1 sister. Edna works on the Housing Support Team and has worked at the MHA for 1 year and 6 months. Edna has been a Certified Peer Specialist for 1 year. Edna has also worked as a personal care assistant for 7 years. She loves her job because she gets to assist people and share her experience of being homeless and with mental illness and sharing her recovery with them.
Edna genuinely cares for the tenants she works with. She likes seeing them step out of their comfort zone and try something new. "I would like people to know I care deeply for recovery and to encourage people to take care of themselves and get better because it is possible!"
Comments on receiving this award:
"I wish that Mary Ann was here to see me receive this award but Higher Power had something else in store for her. I would do this for anyone, member or employee at the MHA because I like to help people.
I am surprised about getting the award, just sad about the reason for receiving the award."
Josh has worked on Center Team for 12 months. He would like to some day advance in the mental health field. Josh lives for his job, his main priority in life is to get people on their feet, learn about their mental illness and help them in recovery. Josh has a very kind heart, and believes in giving people the benefit of the doubt, people deserve second chances.
"I respect Bill’s vision for the MHA, would like to make his vision a realization."
Comments on receiving this award:
"This award was hard to accept at first due to the fact of the horrible incident that occurred. But for someone to see the goodness that we do, made my heart feel grateful."
Josh would like to thank everyone very much for this award.
Scot has worked on Center Team for 3 and ½ years. He has been in recovery for 6 years, working a 12 step program. Scot’s inspirations involve helping people with substance abuse and mental illness; he wants to help people to better their lives by enriching them to better themselves, while also benefiting himself. He has a passion for reading, writing and arts.
Comments on receiving this award:
Scot is most honored and appreciative towards MHA for the selection.
"This goes beyond work and everything that I do to represent the MHA, at the MHA, as well as outside of the building."
Scot gives so much thanks for the award and will continue to bring determination, support and help to the MHA.
Comments on receiving this award: