One of the 2019 HGH Award Winners
Home of Guiding Hands (HGH) has been supporting people with developmental disabilities for 52 years. They work side by side with a dedicated group of Board Members, community partners and volunteers who have devoted countless hours in support of their organization. In recognition of their outstanding contributions, these individuals were honored at the HGH Annual Meeting at Sycuan Resort & Casino.
Cindi Harris, an Associate Professor of English at Grossmont College, was awarded Board Member of the Year. Neal Stehly, the SVP of the Benefits Division for HUB International, was given Community Partner of the Year. And David Walker, President & CEO of Avista Technologies, received Volunteer of the Year.
Home of Guiding Hands is a provider of services to more than 3,800 men, women and children with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including autism, epilepsy, cerebral palsy and Down’s syndrome. Each individual has a story to tell of the hurdles they have faced and their strides to overcome them.
2019 marks the second year HGH has chosen to recognize one of these unique individuals as Client of the Year. This year’s finalist is a resident of Ehly House, nominated by staff member, Nell Ross. His name is Brad.
A small committee, comprised of donors and one staff member, had the honor of reviewing the heartfelt nominations. Every submission highlighted goals achieved, positive attitudes and daily tasks accomplished.
Nell shared with GB Magazine, “I nominated Brad for Client of the Year for not letting his special needs hold him back from enjoying his life. Brad has accomplished many things throughout his life – some small and some more complicated. He was born without sight, but he knows his house like a road map. He can get around on his own and does well outside of his home with assistance – he has even learned to maneuver the steps of the HGH Vans.”
“Brad continually works on communicating with staff; responding on topic is a goal Brad is working towards. He is responsible with his chores and takes his laundry to the washer and his dishes to the sink. In his spare time, Brad enjoys learning from the activities on his notepad. He is social and loves hanging out with the staff, going on outings, listening to the radio, dancing and having cookouts with his housemates. Brad is always happy and has a smile for everyone. He is a wonderful example for us all.”
HGH believes that all clients are special and deserving of recognition. The Client of the Year award is simply another opportunity for others outside of the agency to see just why.
For more information about HGH, please visit www.guidinghands.org or stop by the Verbeck Resource Center anytime for a tour. The center is located at 1908 Friendship Drive in El Cajon and open from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
