Arc Otsego-nominated Bassett Healthcare Wins Statewide VESID NDEAM Award

Dayle LeFleur, Coordinator for The Arc Otsego’s Community Employment Services division, said it was an honor to nominate Bassett Healthcare for the New York State 2009 Employer Recognition Award given in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month Award (NDEAM).   When she learned that Bassett had won one of the five statewide awards she was thrilled.  “Bassett Healthcare has demonstrated a high level of commitment in accommodating supported employees during recruiting, initial phases of training, and long-term employment.  We are so pleased that we played a part in ensuring that Bassett Healthcare is recognized as a statewide leader in creating employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.”

The nomination, written by Kim Linza, was submitted to the Southern Tier Office of VESID.  From there, the nomination underwent several reviews culminating in selection by a statewide panel made up of representatives from different agencies across New York State.  The award was presented to Bassett Healthcare  by Rich Borman, VESID Southern Tier District Manager at The Foxcare Center on October 14, 2009.

LeFleur notes that a key consideration in the nomination was that Bassett Healthcare currently employs seven individuals with disabilities who were placed through The Arc Otsego.  These employees, many of whom receive job coaching support from The Arc Otsego, have become long-term employees of Bassett Healthcare.  Bassett Healthcare has supported the employment of these individuals in many ways.  Stephanie Hobbie from the Human Resources department has volunteered to assist individuals develop job seeking skills.  The employees’ supervisors, Marvin Oakley, Connie Johnson, Anthony Bailey, Linda Emerson and Brian Wrubleski have been particularly instrumental in ensuring the employment success of each individual.  They have worked closely with Arc Otsego job coaches, Cesily Secoolish, Jim Sweeny and Kelly Brown, to ensure a successful and positive work experience and they have also demonstrated a commitment to and concern and care for the supported employees’ growth and well-being. 

Adds LeFleur “Bassett Healthcare has consistently gone above and beyond to provide accommodations to the supported employees in their employ.  We are so happy that they have received this important recognition.”

Above:  Carter Bunn, Bassett Healthcare- Food Services Division, at work