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First State Community Action holds 49th Annual Dinner
The 2014 Stanford L. Bratton Award for Community Service was awarded to Patricia Batchelor. In honor of the agency's first executive director, the Stanford L. Bratton Award is a prestigious honor presented to a community leader or volunteer who embodies the spirit of "service beyond self." Batchelor is a woman of service who has demonstrated leadership, integrity and a commitment to helping others. Her volunteer services with First State have enabled the agency to have a tremendous impact on individuals, families and communities First State serves. Shown on the stage are (l-r) Batchelor, Board of Directors President Peggy Strine and Executive Director Bernice Edwards. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
November 28, 2014
Mingling during the reception for the event are Rep. Dave Wilson, R-Bridgeville; Peggy Strine, First State board president; and Kevin Loftus, La Red director of marketing and communications. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
Taking a few moments for a picture are (l-r) board member Dr. Saundra Smith, board member and Vice President of the Star Hill Community Nelson Driggus, and board member and Simons Civic Association leader Jawanna Saunders. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
Chatting during the reception are Housing Opportunities of Northern Delaware representative Gladys Spikes, left, and board member Beryl Barmore. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
Enjoying the event are (l-r) Martina Duffy, First State development specialist; Jamie Sayler, LaCasita program manager; and Tina Miller, First State accounting specialist. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
The Personal Achievement Award was presented to Scott Hall. Hall was forced to leave his job as lead carpenter foreman and lead line foreman in bridge building because of a major back injury. Unable to return to work, Hall enrolled in First State's Adult Culinary Arts Program. Upon graduation, Hall obtained a full-time job at Victoria's Restaurant in the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel in Rehoboth Beach. Shown presenting the award is First State Executive Director Bernice Edwards. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
The Employee of the Year Award was presented to Leroy Mann III. Mann started at First State when he enrolled in the summer employment program in 2012. He then took a job with First State as a case manager then transitioned to program coordinator of the Second Chance Program, working with individuals at the Department of Correction, helping the men get a chance to get back to their communities. Shown on stage are (l-r) Peggy Strine, First State board president; Mann: and Bernice Edwards, First State Executive Director. BY STEVEN BILLUPS
Keynote speaker for the 49th Annual Awards Dinner was Public Defender for the State of Delaware Brendan O'Neil. O'Neil opened his address with a quote from author Eli Khamarov, "Poverty is like a crime you didn't commit." O'Neil commented, "That is just wrong." BY STEVEN BILLUPS
First State Community Action Agency held its 49th Annual Awards Dinner Nov. 17, at Dover Downs. This event is the largest fundraiser of the year for First State Community Action Agency.
Since 1965, First State Community Action Agency Inc. has worked tirelessly helping low-income people overcome the challenges of poverty and become self-sufficient.
Their commitment to providing positive opportunities, resources, and critical assistance to underserved youth and adults has had a profound impact on the lives of many throughout the state of Delaware.
For more information go to www.firststatecaa.org.
