News & Notes

The Magic Number: 8164

What’s the easiest way to make a financial donation to Deaf-REACH? Designate Deaf-REACH by choosing 8164 for the Combined Federal Campaign. Your donation, directly deducted from your paycheck, goes to Deaf-REACH through United Way. If you check the box in the lower right corner of your pledge card and include your address, United Way will release your name to Deaf-REACH so that we may thank you.

Employment Specialist Leatrice DaConceicao and program member James Addison celebrate James’ recent award for “Team Member of the Month” for October. James is a steward at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Hotel.

Project Career Wins Award

The Maryland Rehabilitation Association recently named Project Career—the partnership effort between Deaf-REACH and TransCen—the winner of the 2005 Distinguished Service Award.

This honor is given each year to individuals or organizations that have shown leadership in advancing equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Board Comings and Goings

At the September 12 board of directors meeting, the change-over to a new administration became official. Immediate past president Rudy Gawlik was presented with a plaque recognizing his seven years of service on the board, more than four of them as president. Executive Director Sarah Brown then shared a presentation highlighting Rudy’s accomplishments at Deaf-REACH. Outgoing board member Janice Rosen was also recognized.

Then it was time for new board president Brandon Arthur to conduct his first board meeting. Along with the new vice-president, Annette Reichman, and continuing treasurer, Emilia Chukwuma, Brandon reinstated the four board committees and charged them with the tasks of choosing a chair person, establishing the date of their first committee meeting, and beginning the work of updating their list of duties to be written into the board’s bylaws. The board agreed to meet four times per year at Gallaudet University, continue the annual summer retreat, and hold regular committee meetings at Deaf-REACH.