2007 DDSD Statewide Awards
The Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD) honored the following people and agencies for demonstrating excellence in Meaningful Day services.  Awards were given in the areas of Best Employer and Employee, Individual Accomplishment, Professional Achievement, Provider Excellence, and Best Community Membership practices.

Jennifer Thorne-Lehman presents award to Beverly Olmstead

2007 ddsd statewide directors meeting HONARABLE MENTION CERTIFICATE RECIPIENTS

Beverly Olmstead receives Honorable Mention for Successful Community Member of the Year for her self-less participation in volunteering at the Veterans Hospital.

Beverly Olmstead is a patient visitor at the Veterans Administration Hospital (VA) in Albuqueruqe.  Her job is very important to her and the people whom she visits.  At times during her life, Beverly received benefits from the VA.  She wanted to give back in some way to the hospital so about a year and a half ago she began volunteering at the VA several times a week.

In April 2006, Beverly received an award pin for putting in over 100 hours at the VA and currently has logged over 300 volunteer hours.  Beverly uses her talking communication device when she meets people there at the VA and she shares a little bit about herself.  Some of the long-term patients Beverly met formed warm relationships with her and they look forward to seeing her smiling face whenever she comes to visit.

Beverly took part in VA events honoring volunteers including ice cream socials, luncheons, awards ceremonies, and the Isotopes baseball games.  The many people who live and take part in the programs at the VA appreciate Beverly as a volunteer and as a friend, and she knows she is playing an important role at the VA as a volunteer.

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