Tri-Valley awards Fort Scott business owner, clients

Saturday, January 22, 2011
McDonald's owner Mark McCoy (right) is pictured with last year's Achievement Award winner Cliff Kendrick, and this year's winner, Ritchie Reed of Fort Scott.

Clients, families and employees from Tri-Valley Developmental Services met in Chanute Jan. 19 for the annual Awards Ceremony.

"Award nomination forms went to all staff and clients in early November with many being returned, making the selection difficult this year," Public Relations Director Anna Methvin said in a news release.

Two clients served by Tri-Valley from both the East and West Service Center were selected to receive the top honors in 2010. The 2010 theme of "You Make a World of Difference" was met by all who not only received the awards, but all who were nominated.

"The people who are here today to be recognized have shown their commitment to changing the world," Tri-Valley Executive Director Tim Cunningham said.

The 2010 Achievement award went to Ritchie Reed of Fort Scott.

Reed was presented his award by last year's recipient, Cliff Kendrick, for his determination in achieving the quality of life he was so determined to obtain.

A little over a year ago, Reed had been experiencing a tough time. He wasn't very active in the community, wasn't socializing and he didn't want to participate in activities. He would be the first to tell you that things were not going very well for him, the release said. But in May 2010, he started a new job at McDonald's. It was the spark he needed. His attitude changed, he became more friendly and outgoing and his whole outlook on life was transformed. He participated in the Parsons Rodeo and Horses of Hope this year, and he is eager to do janitorial, contract work and answering the phones when he is not at McDonald's.

The 2010 Business of the Year award went to McDonald's, Fort Scott, which has been a valuable community partner of Tri-Valley for some time now, the release said. Since 2005, McDonald's has hired five individuals from TVDS and currently have three individuals served by Tri-Valley working there. These individuals enjoy it immensely, it is a great working environment and according to Thomas Mate, "the food is great."

Owner Mark McCoy has been a great supporter of TVDS, the release said.

"The Executive Director's Award was created in 2009 as a way of recognizing employees who practice the mission of the agency," said Cunningham. "That mission is: Tri-Valley is committed to the idea that people have a right to be active within their community. Our mission is to offer a wide range of service choices, which meet individual needs, and provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to achieve the quality of community life they seek."

The 2010 Executive Director's award winner was Sue Cooney, also of Fort Scott.

Cooney is always courteous, patient, and greets everyone walking into the service center with a smile, the release said. She never has to be asked twice to do something and works very well with the people Tri-Valley serves.

Her supervisor, Alene Jolly, when asked to give a few remarks about Cooney, responded by saying, "Sue is dependable, very trustworthy, organized, and no matter how things are in her personal life she has a smile on her face for all who come into the Service Center. She always has time to help whoever needs it. Sometimes she is pulled in several directions at one time, but handles it calmly helping each one of us. She does a great job for Tri-Valley."

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