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PR 09/13/2006: Recipients of 2006 People Who Care Awards Announced

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 13, 2006 San Mateo County Health Department Contact: Craig McCulloh 650-573-2480 (Voice) 650-573-2220 (TDD) RECIPIENTS OF 2006 PEOPLE WHO CARE AWARDS ANNOUNCED San Mateo, Calif. - The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and the Commission on Disabilities are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2006 People Who Care Awards (PWC). These awards recognize individuals and organizations demonstrating outstanding initiative and dedication to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities in San Mateo County. On October 6, the recipients will be honored at an awards dinner held at the South San Francisco Conference Center at 225 South Airport Boulevard in South San Francisco. The recipients are: Randy Kaefer, Volunteer Recipient: Kaefer, a San Carlos resident and PG&E employee, has volunteered as a Construction Captain for Rebuilding Together Peninsula over the past five years. He did an incredible job overseeing a home modification project for a 75-year-old disabled woman and her disabled daughter. Their home was in such a state of disrepair that it was unsafe. Kaefer made sure the necessary repairs were made, so the woman and her daughter could continue living there. Susan Houston, Professional Recipient: Houston, is the Director of Senior Services at the Family Services Agency of San Mateo County. In her work as Director, Houston carefully considers the needs of people with disabilities when designing programs and services. In addition, she is an author of a weekly column, entitled "Senior Savvy" in the San Mateo Daily News and has made it a priority to include topics of interest to people with disabilities. Shelley Denny, Educator Recipient: As a special education teacher for the County Office of Education, Denny developed and coordinated an Ability Awareness Day at Ocean Shore School in Pacifica. Now in its sixth year, this forum provides an opportunity for general education and special education students to learn about disabilities and to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. Childe Abutin, Business Recipient: Abutin manages the Burlingame Hacienda which is a board-and-care home. She runs this facility with a level of caring, sensitivity, supportiveness, clinical astuteness, and over-all excellence rarely seen in such settings. Through her support and the home-like setting, her residents with mental health disabilities are able to live successfully in the community. Mental Health Association, Agency Recipient: This longstanding agency provides innovative housing, socialization and recreational programs to people with psychiatric disabilities in San Mateo County. Many of the people served by the Mental Health Association are homeless or at risk of being homeless. These services provide them with a connection to the community that is key in breaking the cycle of homelessness for these individuals. Sheryl Young, Lore Radisch Lifetime Advocacy Award: Throughout her career, and in her current position as CEO of Community Gatepath, Young has worked tirelessly to advocate on behalf of people with disabilities and their families in San Mateo County. She successfully developed a network of innovative services and programs that support their independence and inclusion in our community. Her ability to forge creative partnerships and collaboration has provided a wealth of resources for the disabilities community. San Mateo County Board of Supervisors' President, Supervisor Jerry Hill will be the emcee for the awards presentation. Entertainment will feature nationally acclaimed, jazz recording artist, Wesla Whitfield. PWC will also feature an art showcase for artists with disabilities who reside in San Mateo County. The exhibit, co-sponsored by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, Commission on Disabilities, and ARTshare, San Mateo County, Inc., is an excellent opportunity for artists with disabilities to show their work and to create greater awareness of the talent in our community. The artwork can be viewed during the reception from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. At the reception, there will be a silent auction to purchase the artwork, which will also be exhibited at the Caldwell Gallery in the Hall of Justice (400 County Center) in Redwood City from October 10 through 31 as part of Disabilities Awareness Month. Dinner is served at 7:00 p.m., and the cost is $50 per person. Table sponsorships are available. For more information, or to buy tickets, call the Commission on Disabilities office at (650) 573-2580 (voice) or (650) 573-2220 (TDD). ###