Two Volunteers of America-Minnesota employees recognized with ARRM award

June 7, 2012 - PRLog -- Volunteers of America-Minnesota (VOA-MN), a nonprofit health and human services organization, is pleased to announce that two VOA-MN employees were recently honored by the Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM) with the coveted 2012 ARRM Cares Award.

Kellie Beaver of Milaca, a direct support professional at VOA-MN’s Milaca North Home, was recognized for her ability to tackle uncommon challenges, lead by example, motivate her colleagues and for her transformational impact on the residents she supports.

Patti Maness of St. Paul, a direct support professional at VOA-MN’s Ashland and Portland Homes, was recognized for her capacity to champion the abilities, motivations and interests of the residents she supports, was well as for her perseverance and advocacy for disability rights.

"We are extremely proud of Kellie and Patti who have helped residents overcome obstacles, focus on their abilities and see possibilities. This award acknowledges them for their dedication to ensuring that people with disabilities live truly fulfilling lives,” said Paula Hart, President and CEO, Volunteers of America-Minnesota. “Kellie and Patti are high-caliber mentors, advocates and allies and reflect positively on Volunteers of America-Minnesota’s mission to help people gain self-reliance dignity and hope.”

Each year, the ARRM Cares Award is presented to six outstanding direct support professionals (DSPs) in Minnesota who are selected based on their ability to provide innovative, professional daily support services to people with intellectual and physical disabilities. There were 170 nominations this year for the award.

Volunteers of America-Minnesota is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit health and human services organization whose mission is to help people gain self-reliance, dignity and hope. We have served Minnesota since 1896, and have grown to be one of the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit organizations in the state. Each year, our wide variety of programs uplift more than 26,500 children, youth and families, seniors, people with special needs, and adults completing community reentry programs. We are affiliated with Volunteers of America, a national, faith-based organization that helps more than 2 million people annually live healthy, productive lives and reach their full potential. For more information about Volunteers of America-Minnesota, visit http://www.voamn.org or call 952-945-4074.