Tenco celebrates staff

On Friday, October 11, Tenco held their Employee Awards Banquet. Staff and their families were invited to attend a picnic. Unfortunately, Mother Nature was not cooperative, and the event was moved to the Ottumwa Gateway office location.

Attendees played yard games - bags, yard Yahtzee, and bowling were just a few of the fun items – to allow for staff and their families to enjoy each other's company. The 'out of this world awesome” theme also came with aliens and rockets to make everyone smile. In addition to the fun, a potluck style meal was enjoyed by all.

The evening began by thanking staff for their hard work and dedication. Without great staff, Tenco would not be so successful. There were five awards presented and one special recognition. Staff from all areas of the organization were celebrated.

Winners include:

Advocacy Award - The Advocacy Award is presented to a staff member who empowers clients to be a part of their community, empowers individuals to speak up for their rights, and provides a 'voice” for clients who need additional encouragement.

' Tobie Brewer of Fairfield

' Jennifer McCoy of Ottumwa

Leadership Award - This award recognizes a direct support staff member (ADH Instructor, DSP, Employment Professional, Transition Home Professional, etc.) who provides structure and leadership in their environment. This person has become a role model for their peers and doesn't hesitate to do ALL aspects of the job – a true 'lead by example” person.

' April Briggs of Ottumwa

' Krista Polton of Fairfield

' Carrol Franklin of Keosauqua

Image Award - This award is presented to the staff who portrays the outstanding reflection and vision of Tenco to the community, the individuals Tenco serves, and other staff members.

' Sarah Mattly of Centerville

' Laurie Lenertz of Oskaloosa/Knoxville

Development Award - This award is presented to a staff member, still within their first year of employment, who has shown great interest in understanding the functions of the organization and dedication to the achievement of the individuals served.

' Candace Wonderlich of Fairfield

' Paula Lennie of Centerville

' Bambi Youngblood of Ottumwa

' Bobbi Letze of Knoxville

Mission Award - This award is presented to a staff member who strives to 'empower persons with disabilities to live, learn, and work in their community” in all that they do – on and off active duty.

' Cynthia Hines of Knoxville

' Heather Belloma of Centerville

Iowa Association of Community Providers held their first annual Frontline Supervisor Award. Frontline supervisors (FLS) play a critical role in bringing together all of the pieces of service delivery. They fulfill a difficult and critical role. Frontline supervisors have a tremendous impact on the lives of Iowans with disabilities and the direct support professionals who work with them. Tenco nominated Lorrie Bouchard of Ottumwa and while she may not have won their award, she is award winning to Tenco. She gives her heart and soul to her work.

CEO Cheryl Plank commented, 'I have truly been blessed to have had the opportunity to work with such a great group of employees. The dedication and determination they continually display, 'to support individuals with disabilities to live, learn, and work independently in their community,” is truly amazing.” Tenco is proud of all their outstanding staff who have a tremendous impact on the lives of Iowans with disabilities.

Tenco continues to provide a variety of services out of offices in these six counties: Wapello, Appanoose, Jefferson, Van Buren, Marion and Mahaska.