UniqueSource 2023 Achievement Awards & Banquet Program by Katey Day

Welcome

to the 2023 UniqueSource Achievement Awards Banquet.

Each year that I have had the privilege to be part of the Unique Source Achievement Awards, I become more and more grateful to stand beside the people who we are honoring. Grateful for their outstanding work accomplishments and for their example of determination, passion, and success. I am also grateful for all of the individuals who make up our community and strive everyday to provide superior service and quality to our customers. I get the opportunity to hear so many stories of success, determination, commitment, and passion, and it always humbles me. The stories of the 31 individuals we honor tonight are another opportunity to be humbled. They are exceptional representatives of our collective achievements. Achievements that continue to prove we are an important workforce doing important work.

Enjoy this evening. Enjoy the entertainment and food. Enjoy the interaction with friends and colleagues. Most of all, enjoy the success of our 31 awardees. Their success is our

Our Program

Opening remarks ....................................................................... Lisa Biggica

President & CEO, UniqueSource

Welcome .......................................................................................... Gena Bond

President, Penn York Opportunities & Chairperson UniqueSource Board of Directors

Invocation

Dinner

Recognition of Sponsors

UniqueSource Achievement Awards*

*Accepting on behalf of all winners is Dylan King from VisionCorps.

Keynote Speaker......................................................................... Tanisha Carter

What is

UniqueSource Product & Services

UniqueSource® Products & Services, established in 1956, is a nonprofit organization whose top priority is to help advance and grow employment for Pennsylvanians with disabilities. We serve as the Central Non-Profit Agency operating according to Section 520 of the PA Procurement code. At UniqueSource, we pursue business opportunities, primarily with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on behalf of our member network of affirmative employers who, through creating mission-focused management and operational structures, prioritize providing adaptive technologies, effective accommodations, and support to not only meet but also exceed the requirements of the ADA. Together through employment, we help individuals on their personal journeys to prove their abilities and to realize their goals for fulfillment and economic independence. Just last year, UniqueSource contracts provided employment for over 2,000 individuals at average payrates nearly

Tanisha Carter

Keynote Speaker

Uniquely You

You Were Made To CONQUER!

Honor through celebration and praise. This inspiring keynote lifts up the 2023 Achievement Award honorees for the ways in which their circumstances inspired success. For having the audacity to overcome insurmountable challenges. To unapologetically live in their truth.

Tanisha Carter is a native of Philadelphia. As an infant she was severely burned in a fatal house fire resulting in facial and body disfigurement. She has experienced continual employment discrimination, lack of support and resources, resulting in chronic homelessness for her and her family. What many would consider hardships, Tanisha saw as experiences necessary to understand and walk in her purpose. Tanisha has a Masters in Clinical Psychology and has worked in numerous social and educational service settings providing counseling, outreach, educational, and trauma informed expertise. Tanisha is an accomplished public speaker who has also shared her story internationally. She has been speaking her truth since the age of 11 and has appeared on numerous stages, including on the Maury Povich Show and with celebrity personality, internist and Addiction Medicine Expert, Dr. Drew Pinsky. Her book, MoreThanaConqueror: ConfessionsofaTrueTestimony,was published by Christian Faith Publishing in 2018. In 2022, Tanisha received the UniqueSource Achievement Award.

Tonight’s Keynote is proudly sponsored by

UniqueSource Achievement Awards About the

UniqueSource Products & Services partners with Member agencies across the state to identify, market and deliver products and services that create employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. There are over 2,000 Member employees who benefit from greater economic independence, self-reliance and an enhanced quality of life through work. Recognizing the hard work of these outstanding individuals through our Achievement Awards began in 1976.

Each year, UniqueSource recognizes outstanding workers from around the state who demonstrate exceptional character in living and coping with disabilities, particularly in the workplace.

Our Sponsors Diamond

St. Moritz Security Services, Inc.

RKL LLP

McConkey Insurance & Benefits InspiriTec PPO&S

Peak Performers

ADSS Global

Faulkner Nissan of Mechanicsburg

Michael Baker International

Keynote Speaker

Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney

Toshiba

Dylan King

“Dylan is an employee who wants to succeed in his work,” says his supervisor, Michelle Shenberger. Dylan King works for VisionCorps in their York manufacturing center. His main duty is making delineator posts for PennDOT and the PA Turnpike, though he contributes to several other production lines as well. After his vision loss, Dylan became depressed and was not sure what life had in store for him. Then he found his job at VisionCorp where he learned quickly to adapt to the work. “It is different in a good way. I like to interact with people with impairments like me. I enjoy coming in here and going home tired every single day.”

Dylan is a good role model and will help others both learn new jobs and, when they are working on the job, to get things done efficiently and correctly. In fact, he works so quickly that his co-workers sometimes tell him to slow down so they can catch up. “First and foremost, I go right at it,” says Dylan. “When they give us an order to do, I like to get it done. I give 100% and do the best I can do.”

Dylan is very proud of the work he does. When traveling out of state, it is not unusual for him to ask the driver to pull over so that he can inspect the delineator posts on the side of the road. He wants to see how they compare to the ones he makes.

Carl Ayers

Partners In Progress

Mansfield, PA

Employed as a Janitorial Crew member by Partners In Progress, Carl Ayers has flourished in his position in the janitorial program. He has advanced his skills over the years and can now run the machines and strip and apply wax to floors in many businesses. Carl has been employed with the organization for 13 years.

Carl’s dedication extends beyond the actual job. He is an enthusiastic helper to his co-workers and has developed good relationships. His co-workers say

that there is never a dull moment when working with Carl. His pride in his work shows through with his thoroughness and hard work. This extends to a community-based job that he took on cleaning a furniture store once a week. “I like the work,” says Carl. It gives him the opportunity to have fun with others, do a good job, and earn a paycheck. In his free time, Carl likes riding his bike and listening to AC/DC.

Employed as a Janitorial Crew Member at the Beaver County Rehabilitation Center (BCRC), Brandon Belich can complete any task that is presented to him. He has “an impeccable attendance record,” and even fills in as a substitute at various sites. His attention to detail and good nature have made him a highly respected co-worker, receiving multiple nominations for the BCRC employee of the month award recognizing Brandon’s exceptional work ethic and abilities.

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Brandon Belich

Brandon is attentive to the feelings of others and strives to make the workplace a positive environment. He persevered through many of his own challenges, maintaining a positive outlook and energy. His selfmotivation and pride in excelling in the workplace are just part of the reason he was nominated for the Achievement Award. His dedication is also unquestionable. When Brandon’s brother passed away recently, he kept coming to work because that “is what my brother would have wanted.”

Beaver County

Rehabilitation Center

Aliquippa, PA

Tommy Brown

Montgomery County Association for the Blind Norristown, PA

Thomas “Tommy” Brown says that his work as a Custodial Supervisor with the Montgomery County Association for the Blind had profound change on his life. The position gave him financial security, increased his physical health and self-esteem. “It is really nice to have the satisfaction of a paycheck to take to the bank. It is very hard on your self-esteem to not be able to provide for yourself. It is the big benefit of the job,” said Tommy.

Tommy manages a crew that cleans a five-story PennDOT building. In the short time on the job, Tommy quickly gained the knowledge and experience to know the proper procedures and how to lead a team. He always looks out for others and assures high quality in the work and customer satisfaction. His attention to detail is important in this line of work, his notebook with notations of items that need to be addressed has become famous and much appreciated by the customer.

Reliable, dependable, funny and kind—those are the words that co-workers use to describe Paul Burk.

An employee at The Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh as a Photo ID Technician, Paul is respectful of his team members and “a true joy to work with.” He provides efficient, courteous customer service to all persons who enter the Photo License Center, and assures that they have proper identification and documentation.

Additionally, Paul handles all customer interactions positively, professionally and with great care. He pays attention to detail and ensures that all reporting is

Paul Burk

done accurately. Paul says that, “it feels great to go to work!” When costumers are in a hurry. he puts them at ease, saying, “we will get this done for you.” Paul is always willing to switch shifts or fill in for a co-worker.

Paul also monitors the Google reviews, ensuring that the organization is meeting the customer’s expectations. He has received internal staff recognition for his dedication and hard work. In addition, Paul was a member of the Photo ID team that received the 2022 Team Award from UniqueSource.

Blind

Patty Cavalier

Cambria County Association for the Blind and Handicapped Johnstown, PA

As a trimmer in the Cambria County Association for the Blind and Handicapped (CCABH) Sewing Department, Patricia “Patty” Cavalier is a very hard worker and is dedicated to giving her best no matter the task at hand. She has a “bubbly personality,” gets along well with others and has many friends at work. Patty loves her work and can be counted on to come to her employment every day, often arriving early, so that she can talk with her friends. She is very

helpful and is often seen lending a helping hand to her co-workers when needed. Patty struggled with maintaining meaningful employment until she joined CCABH over seven years ago. When she heard about the nomination of the Achievement Award, Patty said, “thank you. It took me by complete surprise, of course. I am really glad to hear that the staff feel I am worthy of the award.” In her spare time, Patty likes to volunteer at hospitals and soup kitchens.

Alexsander “Alex” Colon has been a Janitorial Associate at QUEST, Inc. for four years. From the beginning he rapidly advanced his skill set and ability to work well with his peers, “Some people need more help, and I can help by making a good connection with them. My great motivation helps me to motivate them.” His co-workers started calling him Hollywood for his fondness of wearing sunglasses. He recently changed the shift he worked to help another crew.

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Achievement Award

Alexsander Colon

Alex is thrilled to receive the Achievement Award, “It has been a long time coming for me. I am happy getting this award. All my hard work and dedication really pays off.” Always the giver, Alex added, “If it was up to me, I would give it [the award] to my coworker who is equally deserving.”

QUEST, Inc. Lebanon, PA

Carey Cooper

Goodwill of Southwestern PA

South Connellsville, PA

Carey Cooper sees his work as a Production Support Specialist at Goodwill of Southwestern PA as a great opportunity. Thinking he would have to give up work due to health issues, the job is “an inspiration” to someone who still wants to work. Carey has a deep eagerness to learn, the determination to get the job done, and the dependability and work ethic to do it all at high level. He is the first person to jump in when help is needed, or if a problem needs to be troubleshooted. He has flourished in all steps of building a toner cartridge from kit form to finished

product, including the processes of packaging, boxing, labeling, and shipping. Not only did he thrive in the remanufacturing training, but also succeeded in the recycling area of the program.

Carey never let his disabilities hamper him from learning and completing the task at hand. When he learned about the Achievement Award, Carey said, “I am surprised. I am honored and very appreciative for Kim for thinking about (me) as an employee.” He was also thankful to UniqueSource.

“I answer calls for the State Police, Dept. of Corrections, Probation and Parole, and the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency,” describes Justin Crossley about his work as a Level 1 Analyst at the Pennsylvania Public Safety Service Desk for InspiriTec.

Because of his loyalty and dependability, Justin is a perfect fit for a position that requires multi-tasking and attention to detail. Justin enjoys interacting with

Justin Crossley

and helping others - both callers and colleagues. He is always the first to volunteer to cover shifts for someone who is on vacation or has called off, offers to train new employees, and helps his colleagues with anything they need. “I help fellow coworkers when they need help and train new employees when they start,” Justin says. He always works hard to learn more and execute his job to the best of his ability. Justin was recently added to the organization’s Safety Committee.

Kassidy Cummings

Goodwill of North Central PA

Falls Creek, PA

As a university campus cleaner, Kassidy Cummings enjoys coming to work each day with a good attitude because she knows that “the students appreciate the job that I do by keeping the building clean for them.” Having worked for Goodwill Industries of North Central PA, Inc. for seven years, Kassidy has grown substantially in her abilities, understanding better what it takes to make her current position a wonderful success. A stack of thank you cards from

faculty and staff who notice and appreciate her work is proof of her professionalism, high energy, and happiness she brings to her job.

She attributes much of her success to the many role models she has had the privilege of working with throughout her employment journey. “I want to thank the people that helped me achieve this and get to where I am at.”

Joy Dacey has been described as a kind, loyal, honest employee who is a strong team member. As an employee of Allied Services Integrated Health System, Joy is a photo license technician who regularly receives high marks that includes customer service, teamwork and overall success at the camera. Because of the large number of Spanish speaking customers that she comes in contact with, Joy enrolled in Spanish language classes. She wanted to better interact with her customers and treat them

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Achievement Award

Joy Dacey

with dignity and respect. Her actions have led to other photo techs now using key phrases in Spanish with customers as well.

Joy sees her job as an opportunity to show her children what can be achieved with a disability. She values working on a team and training new techs. Joy enjoys the camaraderie of the team outside of the photo ID site. She said that they meet for lunch monthly and has a laugh with her friends. In the future, Joy plans to learn Italian. When she heard first heard about the Achievement Award, she told her kids that she was “going to win that award one day.”

Allied Services Integrated Health Systems Taylor, PA

Jason DePalma

Achieva Pittsburgh, PA

Teamwork and communication are important to Jason DePalma. Each day, he goes into work with a feeling of pride and commitment to deliver the best for his customers. Jason works on janitorial contracts for Achieva. His knowledge and skill regarding the needs of the job, have Jason’s supervisors rely on him for background and direction on new accounts. Jason cares about his team of co-workers very much, and while he often picks up extra work, he does not see himself as anything more special than the rest of the team. “I jump in to do extra. The whole

crew does that,” he says. His personality is often cited as one of his strongest assets, allowing him to earn the trust of customers and co-workers alike.

Jason is proud of the independence he has been able to accomplish. He has increased the number of days he works and has moved into his own apartment. He is a Special Olympian, and enjoys a variety of sports. When asked about the Achievement Award, Jason stated, “I didn’t know it was going to happen. I am very honored.”

Richard Forbes is a Photo License Technician at Goodwill Keystone Area and has been in his current position for six years. Reliable and dependable, he provides efficient and courteous customer service to all that enter the Photo ID Center. Through hard work and dedication, Richard strives for success in everything he does, treating everyone with kindness and respect.

He comes into his scheduled shifts with enthusiasm and sees his career with Goodwill Keystone Area

Richard Forbes

as a way of service. Richard is ready to assist at any time and in any way possible, and that is shown in the way he attends to each and every customer who walks into the site. For the past two years, Richard took on the responsibility of opening and closing the site by himself. He has perfect attendance, and continuously receives compliments from his coworkers and valued customers. “I do not feel I do anything extraordinary.” Richard explained, “I just help people as much as I can.”

Goodwill Keystone Area

Harrisburg, PA

Ean Garman

The ARC of Cumberland and Perry Counties

Carlisle, PA

Ean Garman has been a Food Service Coordinator at the Cumberland Perry ARC for three years. He began at the facility on the production floor, assembling and labeling boxes for two years. He then decided that he would like to try working in the kitchen to improve his skills. In his current job, Ean is able to complete a wide variety of tasks, accepts his assigned duties, and begins to work on projects right away.

Ean is focused on his employment, is very productive and completes his work with good quality. He has

learned to adapt well to change throughout his workday and gets along well with his coworkers. Ean has excellent customer service skills and is very friendly and willing to help others when needed. He looks forward to helping customers with getting their lunch and drinks.

“I focus on my work,” Ean explains. “I am friendly, smart and kind.” Ean is a regular volunteer at the Hershey Medical Center. In his free time, he likes to create YouTube videos about anything and whatever is on his mind.

As a supervisor overseeing the janitorial team at the Smith Center at Slippery Rock University, Adam Geibel has a strong desire and drive to learn, and more importantly, to improve his skills and leadership qualities. Working for the Beaver County Association for the Blind, Adam feels supported in his work and life. “Everyone is nice, and they tell me that they appreciate me,” Adam said. This gives him the space to “look out for others [on his team] and ensure quality work and customer satisfaction.”

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Adam Geibel

Never one to shy away from responsibility, Adam is always willing to cover shifts, and stays on site whenever he needs to, ensuring success for the company. He successfully navigates the constant alterations in cleaning schedules in the busy student union center.

Outside of work, Adam makes holiday and seasonalthemed wood-burned boxes. He also races in demolition derbies and has 12 trophies to his name.

Beaver County Association for the Blind Beaver Falls, PA

Herb Gottshall

Herb Gottshall has been a Photo License Technician at Suncom Industries for four years. His skills and knowledge have grown in his tenure. Now Herb is described as the best technician that the company has.

Herb is an outstanding employee. If a substitute is needed at another site, Herb will always volunteer. If there is inclement weather, he is at work. If the center needs opened, Herb is the first one to do it. He is also a great team player, supporting his team members in all areas. When hiring new photo staff,

his supervisor ensures that Herb works with them because he is very courteous and customer oriented. He realizes that he was a new employee at one point in his career and goes out of his way to help them if they are struggling. Herb has even offered to stay later than his scheduled time to help when new staff needs assistance with paperwork.

Upon accepting the Achievement Award, he said, “Thank you! I appreciate it. It is nice of Bill to think of me for that. I try my best.”

As the Janitorial Lead at PBA Products and Services, Steven Grybos is always polite and quick with a smile. From the very start in his employment, he was quick to learn the duties and performed them with a high level of quality. Steven was always the first person to volunteer to assist at other sites and ask to learn new skills.

Steven excels at doing quality work at his job. Apart from that, though, Steven displays a positive attitude towards every individual who he comes in contact. From opening doors, to assisting others with carrying items or giving them directions, Steven

Steven Grybos

Pittsburgh,

always thinks about making people’s day better. When his co-workers call off at other sites, Steven always goes and assists.

In the six years that he has been employed at PBA Products and Services, Steven has impacted hundreds of people with his smile and laugh. “He never says no,” says his supervisor. When he learned that he was nominated for the Achievement Award, Steven said, “Thank you. I am grateful and appreciate that I was nominated.”

John Hess

Hope Enterprises

Williamsport, PA

Employed by Hope Enterprises, John Hess is a Photo License Technician at the Williamsport Driver Center and fills in at the organization’s Mcelhattan location every Saturday. He has been in the Williamsport position for five years. Additionally, John is a production worker at Hope Enterprises.

Despite his busy schedule, John goes above and beyond in his duties at work. He always maintains a great attitude and he does an amazing job. Futhermore, John is hard working and is willing to

lend a helping hand to other employees. When a job needs done, John is the first to take care of it.

When he learned that he was nominated for the Achievement Award, John said, “I am honored and grateful. It is not every day a person gets recognized for this.” In his spare time, John enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family and friends in the woods. “I am grateful to be here. I like working with other folks as a team to help everyone accomplish their work goals.”

“Mike is one the friendliest and hard-working people that I know,” says Chimene Lassiter. She is the supervisor for Mike Huber who has been a custodian for Threshold Rehabilitation Services for more than seven years. Over the years, Mike has grown substantially with his skill set as he cleans state offices. He has become very confident within his skills and is always willing to learn new cleaning procedures and is ready to work. Although Mike is responsible for his own daily task work list, he is often found assisting other coworkers. His communications skills make Mike even more

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Achievement Award

Reading, PA

valuable as he has so much knowledge of proper protocol and procedures and is eager to share with others on the team. “You can show what you learn during the course of completing the tasks,” says Mike. “Not many people have that experience and are able to have the environment to put it to good use.”

Mike’s dedication extends to his desire to learn all he can. He watches home improvement shows to get tips, saying that the most valuable thing is, “to get the preparation down before starting the job and to get the correct tools in front of you.”

Mike also likes to build his own computers and make 3D models using different computer programs.

Mike Huber

Threshold Rehabilitation Services

Alphonzo Jones

Inglis

Williamsport, PA

Alphonzo Jones is a LEAD Environmental Services Attendant at Biddle Air National Guard Station. An employee of Inglis, Alphonzo’s keen eye for attention to detail, hard work ethic, and natural ability to lead has made him an asset to the team. He has been in his current position for five years.

He puts the needs of the team ahead of himself and is always going above and beyond to provide excellent services to the customer. His most important quality is the relationships he has built with the Airmen that the organization serves.

Described as a “no excuse” go-getter, Alphonzo motivates his co-workers “to move forward and get the job done.” He has learned to try different ways of doing things and to, “not just do easy things but do the hard things too.”

Regarding the Achievement Award, Alphonzo was shocked. “I just come in and do my job! Thank you!” In his spare time, he plays, writes and shares his music with others.

For almost 13 years, Cassandra Lewis has been motivating and inspiring those around her at the Arch Street DMV where she is a photo license technician working for SpArc Services. Her job has a lot of different parts, but the main goal is to make sure she provides excellent customer service and that the customer receives a perfect product each time. Cassandra does this and more every day. “Cassandra is one of our strongest technicians in the photo ID program,” says Jenna Kilner, Cassandra’s supervisor. She is a clear leader, not only taking charge of the tasks and duties of the job, but she also provides support and guidance for the whole team. “I am really the go-to-person,” says Cassandra, “they

Cassandra Lewis

Philadelphia, PA

come to me.” Her advice and help to her co-workers have earned the role of “mother hen.”

Cassandra likes to make people feel appreciated and she demonstrates this with her positive attitude and listening and people skills. “I love it, I have been there almost 13 years. I am a people person and like interacting with customers,” added Cassandra. When asked about receiving the Achievement Awards, Cassandra responded, “I really appreciate it. This means a lot to me.”

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SpArc Services

Justin McCreary

Keystone Vocational Services

Hermitage, PA

“I make sure everything is done the same every time,” says Justin McCreary, a Production Worker at Keystone Vocational Services (KVS), about the tools that he builds. The consistency has direct relationship to the quality of the items that he makes. Justin’s commitment to the quality of his work is one of the traits that had earned him merit raises and employee of the month award from KVS in the first year of his employment. Justin was new to manufacturing and production, but he learned the multi-step process quickly and has excelled. His keen attention to quality and proven process

has enabled him to fill orders in a timely and efficient manner.

Justin has grown a reputation for having the knowledge and experience that is “second to none” in his tool assembly process. He often trains new employees in his specialty area and provides assistance in other parts of the production.

Upon accepting his award, Justin said, “I am pretty grateful to have been noticed. I normally try to keep my head down.”

Described as very dependable, Kenneth (Ken) Orth is employed at Vision Resources of Central PA as a custodian. In addition to Ken’s custodial duties, he is the lead landscaper/lawn mowing person and is responsible for the lawn care of the organization’s building and two other sites. Ken has been in his current position for five years.

He always displays a good personality on the job sites. Ken is an all-round great employee and a team player. Along with being very dependable, friendly

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Achievement Award

Kenneth Orth

and willing to help were needed, Ken helps train any new employee and he takes that person under his wing until the new employee is comfortable with their duties. Ken is willing to do anything that is asked of him and is eager to learn new things and jobs.

Ken explained that he likes what he does and went on to say, “It makes me feel good inside that I am helping people.” His employer cannot remember the last time Ken called off ill.

In his spare time, Ken helps with and participates in Special Olympics every year. He has received awards for his softball team.

Vision Resources of Central PA

Harrisburg, PA

Barb Phillips

Arc Human Services, Inc.

Canonsburg, PA

Barb Phillips is a Photo ID Coordinator at ARC Human Services. She provides efficient, courteous customer service to all persons who enter the Photo License Center. Barb has had several jobs in the past that have prepared her to be a “fantastic” Photo Technician. She is at her best when she interacts with clients. Barb has even been known to start out at one site and then drive to another one on the same day to accommodate clients’ various needs.

Barb has developed good relationships with all of her co-workers, supervisor, and PennDOT staff. She

is very knowledgeable regarding all aspects of her job and is willing to help her co-workers in any way that she can. Working at a small site gives her the ability to help customers individually and meet their own unique needs. Barb brings a lot of positivity to the workplace and in all situations remains, calm, cool and collected. Barb wants to thank everyone for the award and is “truly appreciative.” In her spare time, Barb takes care of her three horses, enjoys fishing and the outdoors.

Mark Quist is a Paper Shredder at Westmoreland County Blind Association (WCBA). As one of the most productive employees in the organization, Mark always performs his job at a high level and is extremely reliable when taking on a task. Mark never fails to complete his work quickly and accurately.

In addition to these assignments, Mark has excelled at a new task at WCBA. He uses machines to bend metal dowel rods into different shapes. This is the most challenging job at the organization and Mark was very fast to learn how to do it properly. Mark is the golden standard of what a dedicated employee should be, putting his job duties first. He stands out

Mark Quist

Westmoreland County Blind Association

Greensburg, PA

as an employee because he knows the importance of giving 100% at all times. Mark always finds a way to stay motivated, and a positive personality is one of his best attributes.

“Teamwork,” Mark says, is the most important quality that he has learned from his job. In June 2022, he was recognized as the WCBA Consumer of the Week, an award he achieved through his hard work and outstanding character.

Robert Rankin

Transitional Employment Consultants

Washington, PA

“I love the people that I meet. I love when someone comes up to me in a bad mood. I can help them and can make their day a little better.” This sums up Robert Rankin’s approach to his job, and life. As a photo license technician, Robert works for Transitional Employment Consultants and each day he makes sure that all his customers feel welcome, appreciated, and valued.

When he first came to the position nine years ago, Robert wasn’t sure that he could work in such a public role. He had a very successful career as a plant

manager before the business closed. “This job has taught me a lot, about both patience and customer service.” Robert mentors new staff, ensuring that they have the support they need. “Be efficient, pay attention to detail, and be friendly even when you are not feeling it. You always have to be nice. You got this,” Robert tells them.

Robert has won numerous customer service awards. He is very honored to receive the Achievement Award. “I didn’t expect it. It was right out of left field,” says Robert. “I do not see anything that I do great.”

Shane Ryder has been employed by North Central Sight Services, Inc. for 14 years in a variety of positions. Currently, he is a General Assembler working on a wide variety of products. Shane is known for his positive attitude and helpful manner. He likes to discuss scenarios and situations so that solutions can be developed that will benefit everyone. He likes to provide feedback on how to improve processes and the organization’s success. He focuses on not just improving his own situation but that of his co-workers as well by looking for solutions to make things easier for the visually impaired, which makes the job easier for

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Achievement Award

Shane Ryder

them. He is proud of his work and where he works, “North Central is a good company that stands for a good cause. Their work helps the visually impaired become independent, have improved self-esteem, and become self-sufficient.”

Shane is also very involved in his community, serving as a former Lion’s Club President, and holding woodcarving seminars for various adult and student groups. He has received the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) Peter J. Salmon award. Shane believes that people with impairments should not let anyone put them down, “Don’t let anyone tell you can’t do it. You can do anything you set your mind to.”

North Central Sight Services, Inc. Williamsport, PA

George Spon

Keystone Blind Association

Hermitage, PA

For 14 years, George Spon has been providing excellent customer services to the people of Pennsylvania as a Photo ID Technician at the Keystone Blind Association. “I want to make sure the customer is happy with what we are doing and ensure positive results,” says George. Always willing to help, train, and assist his other coworkers, George pitches in where ever and when ever he can.

George celebrated his 10 years with Keystone by receiving a 10-years of Service pin, and a Certificate of appreciation from the agency. “I like working with people and enjoy the customer service,” he says. George explained that he likes customer satisfaction and making the people happy. “It is a privilege to work with the many co-workers over the years.” He enjoys getting along with everyone, helping them out and working with the new ones along the way.

Beverly Sullivan is employed as a Photo License Technician at the Blair/Clearfield Association for the Blind. She had previously been in this position but had to leave because of health concerns. Beverly enjoyed her job so much that when her health improved, she came back to do what she loved.

Always in an upbeat, cheerful mood, Beverly demonstrates her commitment to the customers by ensuring they each have a positive experience. She likes to meet all the different people who come

Beverly Sullivan

Blair/Clearfield Association for the Blind Altoona, PA

to get their photo taken, and she even likes the paperwork. Beverly is quick to help new employees with questions and ensures that they are okay and not overwhelmed.

Beverly is appreciative to be nominated for the Achievement Award. “I am very honored. I am also very grateful. There are others out there that are just as qualified as I am. “ When she is not working, Beverly enjoys camping and going to the beach with her husband.

Elizabeth Warren

Center for the Blind & Disabled

Chester, PA

In her job as a Photo Technician, Elizabeth Warren goes above and beyond. Employed at the Center for the Blind & Disabled, Elizabeth started as a Greeter at the Photo License Center. Within a few months, the organization trained her in her current position. Elizabeth is a very hard worker, she is always willing to fill in on shifts and help with training others.

Elizabeth enjoys her job immensely. Co-workers say that she is “helpful, fun, respectful and caring.” If a customer happens to be cranky, Elizabeth always says something to make them smile. She said, “I joke with them to get them to laugh, when they are a little agitated or especially if they were waiting a while.”

She was very excited when she was nominated for the Achievement Award. Elizabeth is grateful that her co-workers recognize her hard work. She said she didn’t work for this award and, in fact, didn’t even know anything about it. “I just do my job and do it right,” she explains.

Elizabeth paints to relax and enjoys playing games on her tablet or hanging out with her husband. She is the proud mother of three children and four grandchildren.

Employed by Futures Rehabilitation Center, Sharon

Woge is a Photo License Technician. She has been at the center for two and a half years, and processes all customers courteously, promptly and without discrimination or prejudice. Sharon is very personable and is loved by all her peers. Her past life experiences gave her the gift of excellent customer service and it shows in her work at the photo centers.

Sharon is a fantastic team member, willing to go above and beyond to see that the job is done. She

The 2023

Achievement Award

Sharon Woge

travels to many other sites to provide coverage whenever it is needed – normally at a moment’s notice. Sharon’s co-workers adore her. She is always baking and bringing them sweets, and they say that she is fun to work with and really knows her job.

“I work with good people,” Sharon says, and knows “how to diffuse a situation” at the photo centers. Outside from work, her passions are Harley Davidson and her Rottweiler, Charlie.

Futures Rehabilitation Center Bradford, PA

THANK YOU!

On behalf of the UniqueSource team, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for attending this year’s celebration. Your presence contributed to making this event a resounding success, and we are grateful for your support and commitment to our cause.