Chamber Of Commerce Recognizes Outstanding Social Service

A Press Release From The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut held a business breakfast honoring social service agencies on December 20, 2013, at which time the 2013 Eastern CT Social Service Award winners were announced.  Award winners received recognition in the following categories: Staff Member of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Board Member of the Year and Executive Director of the Year.

Yolanda Bowes, Supervisor of Access to Care and Special Care programs at United Community Family Services was named Staff Member of the Year.  Bowes’s compassion, dedication and leadership has allowed her team to be successful in their pursuit of helping members of the community gain access to needed services.   She is consistent in her belief that all members of the community should receive the services they need without judgment and she makes the daunting task of navigating our healthcare system easy for those who need assistance.

Judy Mann, owner of the Pot of Green Florist was named Volunteer of the Year.  She has been on the board of the New London Community Meal Center for the last 25 years.  This year, she has been able to recruit the services of 389 volunteers.  She is an active volunteer beyond her role at the Meal Center, working with students, Big Brothers Big Sisters and more.  She is well known in the region for speaking publicly at social action forums, civic groups and religious organizations, as she spreads the message that “we can all make a difference”.

Angela Arnold, an active and dedicated member of the Catholic Charities board since February 2006, has been recognized as Board Member of the Year.  She consistently volunteers her talents and treasure, without fanfare.  She makes herself available for early morning and late evening calls and passionately serves to ensure that Catholic Charities continues to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our community.  Her efforts don’t rest solely with Catholic Charities, but rather reach far beyond her commitment to the mission.

Kathryn Greene of The Light House was named Executive Director of the Year.  Greene started her nonprofit 21 years ago with limited resources and a mission to provide functional academics in a community based settings for individuals with disabilities.  Today, her program has two state-approved special education schools, extended programs for children and adults, evening social programs, two transition academies, and more. Greene is known to say, “we are one community and we need to support each other, give to each other…”

As a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication to the region, the Chamber invited staff and volunteers from over 70 local non-profit organizations to attend this annual event at no cost.  This humble invitation would not be possible without support from our local sponsors: SAVA Insurance Group, Backus Hospital and MetroCast Business Services.

About The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut:
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is a collaborative of business and community leaders dedicated to securing and enhancing the economic vitality of eastern Connecticut. The Chamber works to create value for its members and the region by providing forums for business networking, leadership and discussions of issues that affect the region; providing opportunities for members to showcase their products, services and accomplishments; helping small businesses succeed through educational programs; and working to reduce the costs of doing business in Connecticut.  For more information: www.ChamberECT.com