On Tuesday, June 14, hundreds of community members gathered for our Community Recognition Event at the Butler County Fairgrounds to celebrate our county's everyday heroes - people who work in big and little ways to make the world a better place for people with developmental disabilities.
"28 years ago we started this event and every single year, for the ten that I've been here, it feels just as remarkable as the first one," said Lisa Guliano, Superintendent for the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities. "I’m in awe of the incredible people and organizations that are hard at work in our community."
Every person, every ripple, has an impact. It’s so beautiful to witness that on the individual level and it’s exciting to see you all gathered here together where we can visualize the collective work you do! - Lisa Guliano, Superintendent
About 100 individuals, businesses, and organizations were honored with the Community Impact Award. During that portion of the program, recipients of the award were given a balloon. Afterward, the audience erupted in applause as everyone looked throughout the building which was now speckled in balloons – a visual representation of the incredible network of support throughout Butler County.
Every year, a few particularly devoted residents stand out and it is for them that 6 select awards are given.
InsideOut Art Studio here in Hamilton is Inspiration Studio’s flagship program and we couldn’t think of a better organization to honor for their efforts with Community Inclusion. Artists at that studio earn a living doing what they love and what’s more, they teach their craft to community members through classes, community-based art installations, and more.
The 2022 Young Pioneer Award goes to Bradley and Joanna Baker. We applaud their efforts in advocacy for people with developmental disabilities both in their personal lives as well as at Hamilton’s Pinball Garage where Bradley is General Manager and his dad, Brad, is owner. Their continued commitment has earned them the Young Pioneer Award
The Partner of the Year Award goes to Butler Tech for their amazing efforts with their programs, Project Life and Project Search. The work being done at Butler Tech is amazing. Their program is successfully preparing young adults for careers and helping them gain independence. Project Life was created right here in Butler County. The Board is proud to have supported that project and it’s a program that’s so successful it’s now spread throughout the country and beyond.
This year’s Volunteer of the Year goes to Larry Tischler. Picking Larry to receive this award was easy though there was some serious discussion about changing the name of the award to Volunteer of the Decade. Larry’s commitment to this community is unbelievable. He is the president of the Butler County Special Olympics and the Vice-Chairman of the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields.
Our Community Advocate Award goes to Detective Becki French of the Middletown Police Department. When notified that she was receiving this award, Becki was dumbfounded. She says she was just doing her job. Well the truth is, Detective French is receiving this award because we need people like her. Too often, people with developmental disabilities are overlooked. They aren’t considered credible witnesses. Their situations aren’t taken seriously. They are left vulnerable. Without speaking to specifics, Detective Becki French does her job thoroughly – with care for the dignity and needs of those she’s sworn to protect. And humbly too! She did not want to be featured in a video so instead, we’ll hear from Patrick who nominated her for this award.
Finally, we are thrilled to have presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Kenneth Routson. His resume is LONG. Ken has devoted his life to supporting people with developmental disabilities. He is a published author, founder of Abilities to Thrive and former executive director of Residential Alternatives for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. He is recognized nationally for his expertise in the field of developmental disabilities. He has traveled the nation as an advisor and has done so much more. Perhaps more striking than his list of accomplishments is the philosophy that guides him. Ken believes that each person deserves to be treated with dignity, with respect, and with love.
