Bell Socialization Services Inc. presented several awards as part of its virtual Annual Celebration, which was available for viewing on Oct. 6.
Bell recognized William "Billy" Simpson with the Personal Achievement Award, presented to a current service user who, in the past year, has made significant accomplishments to improve his or her quality of life. Patty Reese, program specialist with the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Department's Adult Treatment Facility, attested to Simpson's hard work in the past year. She noted that he is now able to walk several steps with support rather than walking on his knees. Billy has received services from Bell since 2008, according to Reese. Simpson's family prefers to keep pictures of him private, so Reese accepted the award on Billy's behalf.
Kevin Hubbell received the Rita Patz Good Neighbor Award which is given to an individual or group that exemplifies not only being a neighbor of Bell Socialization Services Inc., but being close in association by providing neighborly time and/or resources to Bell. Hubbell has shown his support for Bell by looking out for the agency while on the job with RSDC and off the job. He is a member of the Bell's Big Bed Race committee and also supports Bell through his service as a member of the board of directors for Re-Source York.
Rita Patz was a founding Bell volunteer representing the Alexander Goode Jewish War Veterans Auxiliary. She volunteered with operating the Monday Night Program for more than 30 years, pitched in with many other volunteer opportunities, and was voted board member emeritus by Bell's board of directors. The Rita Patz Liberty Bell Drop-In Center on King and Pershing streets in York city was dedicated in her name.
The Business of the Year Award was presented to Weis Markets. Leigh Lauer, Weis Marketing event ambassador, and Roosevelt Avenue store managers accepted the award which is presented to a business that contributes time and resources to assist Bell in fulfilling its mission within the community.
When the pandemic halted their original plans, Weis employees stepped up to meet the goal they had set for themselves by way of holding their inaugural Weis Market Food Truck Fest. Lauer suggested holding the event when her usual role became less time-consuming during the pandemic and she was looking for ways to support the community. Each food truck donated 10% of its proceeds to Bell. Lauer said that Weis is committed to being a good steward of the environment and also being a good steward in the community.
The Margo Atwood Community Services Award was bestowed upon Kelly Blechertas. The award, named after a dedicated, long-term volunteer, is given to an individual or group that provides its time and resources to enhance Bell programs. Blechertas demonstrates her commitment to York County's families experiencing homelessness by connecting resources to Bell to empower low-income people. Her assistance this year has helped hundreds of individuals to be safely sheltered.
Margo Atwood was a founding volunteer with Bell, representing the Catholic Women's Club of York. She volunteered her time to operate the Bell Club's Monday Night Program for many years and also served as a longtime member of Bell's board of directors.
Janet Scott, Residential Program supervisor, received the Ivan G. Hileman Award, which is awarded to a current Bell employee who has 15 or more years of employment and dedicated service and who has in the past year shown particularly noteworthy performance while being committed to Bell for the long haul.
For over 25 years, Scott has been overseeing staff and caring for residents in a group living home. Even amidst stay-at-home protocols and the uncertainty and fear of living in a global pandemic, Scott continued to look after Bell residents, keeping their best interests in mind. Scott was nominated by employees who saw her dedication and commitment. This award is named in honor of Bell's former executive director, Ike Hileman, whose 40-year career empowered the organization's growth and impact.
Bell recognized Jim Hale and Lion's Hall Bingo as recipients of the Pauline Whitacre Community Services Award. The award is presented to an individual or group that provides time and resources to enhance Bell's mental health programs.
Bell's social rehabilitation programs - and specifically the Sendero program for people whose first language is Spanish - have been the recipients of assistance from Lion's Hall Bingo on numerous occasions, regularly receiving supplies, food, and funding for equipment. Lourdes Gonzalez, Sendero case worker, began the relationship by attending bingo.
Pauline Whitacre was a mental health consumer who volunteered daily at Bell for more than 20 years to help fellow consumers. She used her own vehicle and time to transport people to the first Bell Club drop-in center and always helped people to feel welcome and heard.
Bell Socialization Services Inc. is a 501(c)(3) human services agency based in York, providing housing and living skills supports to individuals living with mental illness, people with intellectual disabilities, and homeless families. Since 1966, Bell's programs have been seeking to provide an environment of support and empowerment to help people throughout the greater York and Hanover areas improve their quality of living.
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