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History of Lifetrack Resources
Lifetrack Resources Awards
Winner of the Nonprofit Excellence Award
The Nonprofit Excellence Award recognizes a single Minnesota nonprofit
organization each year out of the over 4,600 nonprofits statewide that
best demonstrates the Principles and Practices for Nonprofit Excellence.
The Nonprofit Excellence Award is sponsored by Marquette Financial Companies and coordinated by MAP for Nonprofits. The award with a $5,000 check from Marquette was presented during the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Annual Conference on October 14, 2004.
MAP for Nonprofits partners with the Twin Cities' business community to provide management and board recruitment services to nonprofit organizations in the Twin Cities. The Principles and Practices for Nonprofit Excellence are based on the fundamental values of quality, responsibility, and accountability. The nine Principles and 87 Practices provide specific guidelines in the areas of mission and values, governance, financial management, human resources, fundraising, public accountability, advocacy, information and technology, and partnerships. They can be found on the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits web site at www.mncn.org, in the Info Central section.
United Way
2001 Best Agency Support of the Campaign Award
Each year, United Way gives an award for Best Agency Support to the workplace
campaign which provided the best support to the United Way campaign throughout
the previous year. Support includes conducting a successful workplace
United Way campaign as well as providing speakers, giving tours, or participating
in fairs in campaigns at other workplaces.
2000 Small Business Awards of Excellence
In 2000, Lifetrack Resources was awarded a Small Business Award of Excellence
by the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce. The award honors Lifetrack Resources
as an organization which exhibits growth, excellence, risk, diversity
and innovation.
Lifetrack Resources Employees in the News
Walter Waranka, Elected President of the Minnesota
Rehabilitation Association
Walter Waranka, Employment Specialist, was elected by his peers from around
the state to serve as the President of the Minnesota Rehabilitation Association
(MRA), a state chapter of the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA)
for the 2006 calendar year. MRA is an organized network of professional
colleagues working in the field of rehabilitation. Walter will represent
the state chapter both locally and in Washington, D.C. to effectively
voice Minnesota's rehabilitation related issues, concerns and priorities
for people with disabilities.
Nicholas Wilkie, Selected Chair of Governmental
Affairs Committee for MRA
Nicholas Wilkie, Employment Specialist, has been selected as the
Chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee of the Minnesota Rehabilitation
Association (MRA), a state chapter of the National Rehabilitation Association
(NRA). Governmental Affairs professionals are committed to participating
in shaping vocational rehabilitation policy at both the State and Federal
levels. This committee is one of the strongest organizations in providing
advocacy and awareness on behalf of individuals with disabilities. Nicholas
will lead the committee and keep members advised of legislation and policy
developments specific to people with disabilities.
Becky Bazzarre, Director of Community Employment
Services
Becky Bazzarre was awarded the Community Partner of the Year by the Minnesota
Employment Center (MEC). MEC serves people who are deaf or hard of hearing
and is a collaborative between Rise, Inc. and Lifetrack Resources. Becky
was commended for her cooperation and commitment in helping create an
inclusive community which provides equal employment and housing opportunities
for all. Further, the award recognizes Becky’s support of people
with disabilities as integral to their pursuit of independence and self
sufficiency.
Moria Gallagher, Occupational Therapist
Moria Gallagher was awarded the 2002 Communications Award from the Minnesota
Occupational Therapy Association. The Communications award honors a therapist
who has contributed to the profession through research, education and/or
practice in occupational therapy. Therapists are encouraged to share their
knowledge and experience with other therapists in order to improve methods
and techniques in the practice of occupational therapy resulting in improved
service to clients and greater public awareness of the profession.
Bernard Garon, Senior Speech Pathologist
Bernie Garon has been honored with the request to join the editorial board
of the Dysphagia Journal. He has been contributing research since 1995
and has published four journal articles. Bernie has also volunteered his
time to review and edit future research articles from other clinicians
around the world for the Dysphagia Journal.
On October 8, 2002, Bernie presented his most recent research publication
"Epiglottic Dysfunction: Abnormal Epiglottic Movement Patterns”
to the Speech Pathology staff at the Mayo Clinic. Bernie is scheduled
to give three more national presentations.
The Mayo Clinic has invited Bernie to collaborate with on future research
in the area of dysphagia. Dr. Duffy commented, “It was a pleasure
to see in action a dedicated, busy clinician who has taken time and effort
to conduct clinical research that advances the quality of the work that
we all do."
Candace Lindow-Davies, Family Support Connection
Program Coordinator
Candace Lindow-Davies was honored as the 2002 recipient of the Distinguished
Service Award from the Minnesota Speech-Language-Hearing Association in
recognition of her outstanding dedication to families affected by disability.
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes a non-member for outstanding
contributions to the profession or the enhancement of the welfare of persons
with communication, swallowing and/or balance disorders.
Jan Mueller, Minnesota Family Investment Program
Services Director
In 2002, at the invitation of Senator Paul Wellstone, Jan Mueller to spoke
to the US Senate Employment, Safety and Training Subcommittee on the effectiveness
of Advancement Plus, our structured paid work program for people with
serious barriers moving from welfare to work. Jan has made many presentations
on this topic in Minnesota and was recently a presenter at the International
Intermediate Labor Market Conference in Liverpool, England. Additionally,
Jan spoke at the Washington State Supported Work Institute for over 200
Washington State employees and other guests. Jan discussed how a mission
driven organization which includes a production facility like Packaging
First, survives.
Cindy Toppin, Vice President, Rehabilitation
Therapies
Cindy Toppin was awarded the Spirit of MSHA Award by the Minnesota Speech-Language-Hearing
Association for her work in advocating for speech pathology in public
policy, legislative issues and health care reimbursements. The Spirit
of MSHA Award recognizes a member whose dedicated service to the Association
and the profession has been a inspiration to others.
Walter Waranka, Employment Specialist
Wally Waranka was given the Distinguished Service Award from the Minnesota
State Council on Disability. Wally was honored for his efforts to help
individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment, and his efforts
in increasing awareness about technical accommodations for people with
disabilities. The Distinguished Service Award is given to individuals
who have an ongoing commitment to improve opportunities of people with
disabilities.
Wally also serves as the Co-Chair for the St. Paul Mayor’s Advisory
Council for People with Disabilities.