Bell Socialization Services Inc. has recognized four individuals with the agency's Personal Achievement Award.
Jeffrey Bowman, Anthony Guarino, Hilda Flickinger, and Bernard Hartlove received their awards at Bell's annual meeting on Oct. 4 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in York. The award spotlights people in Bell's programs who are making strides to fulfill their potential and improve their lives.
Bowman attends Bell's intellectual disability services Adult Training Facility. Over the past year, he has increased the number of friendships he has in the community by volunteering at local nonprofit organizations. He is improving his communication skills by using electronic devices. Bowman has improved his decision-making abilities as well and has made great progress to learn safe food identification and storage practices.
Flickinger has been a member at Oasis House, one of Bell's mental health services programs, for almost two years, always looking to better herself. Flickinger connected with the York County Literacy Council, setting a goal to attain her GED, and now attends classes three times a week and meets with a tutor to improve her educational levels. Flickinger applied for an independent employment position at Community Services Group with Clubhouse support. She now works weekdays and is saving to move into an apartment.
Guarino is also a member of Oasis House, which he has attended since 2012. When he first started, he mostly kept to himself and struggled to engage with Clubhouse members, due to a hearing impairment. Members and staff began to learn finger spelling and other signs from Guarino. He is now one of the most active Clubhouse members, being someone who takes the initiative to make any visitors or new members feel welcome. He continues to use American Sign Language to teach others, especially when it comes to sharing the weather forecast.
Hartlove volunteers for numerous in-house Bell activities, serves on Bell's consumer/staff committees and the Bell Recovery Action Team, and helped with the department's first Wellness Fair in September. He volunteers as a disc jockey and has become known as the official master of ceremonies for many of Bell's mental health events. Hartlove volunteers for National Alliance on Mental Illnesss as a peer, facilitating support groups and various other activities, and actively participates at Oasis House, attending many Clubhouse conferences and trainings.
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