LAWRENCE — Working with people with disabilities is the hardest job she ever had to leave.
"It's very fulfilling because you can see the difference you make in their lives," said Linda Cassidy, a receptionist at CLASS Inc. for 10 years.
Co-worker Linde Fay agrees.
"I can't wait to come to work and have them greet me in the office," said Fay, senior employment specialist and a 20-year employee.
Fay and Cassidy are among nine employees with a combined 80 years of experience, who will be recognized at the agency's annual recognition dinner tonight at Wyndham Andover hotel in Andover.
In addition, CLASS will present six clients individual achievement awards, a Family Advocate Award and three community partner awards, and honor individuals with Friendship Awards, Compassion in Action and Employee of the Year awards. The latter will be revealed at tonight's dinner.
CLASS Inc. is a nonprofit agency working with adults with disabilities. The agency offers job training and placement, transportation and case management. It also provides support and information to families through ARC of Greater Lawrence.
Here is a list of honorees:
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Individual Achievement Award
Roger Abou-Farah, began working at CLASS Inc. in 1997.
John Bradley, a member of the Integrated Day Services program.
Pedro Gonzalez has been working in the Employment Services workshop since 2003.
Michael Loftus spends his mornings in workshops and is a member of the newsletter group, doing reviews about restaurants he visits. He is part of the swim team and works in reception part time.
Anibal Rivera works at the General Mills work site several days a week and is a part-time porter in North Reading.
Lydia Verdejo, after a death in her family, was able to talk about her grief with staff members at CLASS.
Employee Services Award
20 years
Linde Fay, senior employment specialist
10 years
Kristen Birkmaier, senior day Hab specialist
Linda Cassidy, receptionist
Helene Dawson, monitor
Julia Morrison, mobile day Hab manager
Five years
Vicky Anderson, senior day Hab specialist
Yajaira Blanco, director of ARC of Greater Lawrence
Sherry Frometa, mobile day Hab specialist
George Nieves, driver
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Family Advocate Award
Fiordaliza Rodriguez has a 12-year-old child with Sanfilippo syndrome, and has been receiving services from ARC of Greater Lawrence since 2004. She is an advocate, not only for her child, but for children with developmental disabilities in the Lawrence schools.
Rodriguez is secretary of the Special Education Parent Advisory Council for the Lawrence schools, plans the annual yard sale and provides transportation for other parents to ARC events.
Community Partners Awards
Jericho Road Project and director Joan Kulash helped CLASS Inc. develop a marketing business plan.
Merrimack College, two teams from the advanced business analysis and decision-making class chose CLASS to prepare a business plan for, under the direction of professor Marie Pouliot and support from business school dean Bob Cuomo.
Sand Witch Catering, owned and operated by Guy Macaudo. He has brought his truck to the CLASS office in North Reading daily for the past six years.
