The Damariscotta-based social-services agency Mobius Inc. celebrated a year of growth during its annual meeting at The 1812 Farm in Bristol Mills Monday, Nov. 9.
Highlights of the last year include the retirement of longtime Executive Director David Lawlor and the transition to his successor, Rebecca “Becca” Emmons; the opening of a second administration and program location in Damariscotta; the adoption of a living wage; and the arrival of 13 new clients, according to the agency’s annual report.
Emmons and Mobius Inc. Board of Directors President William Floyd recognized employees for five, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of service during the annual meeting and bestowed employee recognition awards in four categories.
Direct Service Coordinator Debra Baughman received the Exemplar Award.
Baughman “has set high expectations for clients to be supported to age in place and die with dignity at home,” Emmons said. “With Deb’s gentle but firm guidance she guided her team by supporting a client to pass away at home – surrounded by his loved ones.”
Direct Support Professional I Ted Casey received the Stewardship Award.
“Ted is very committed to the client he works with,” Emmons said. “He always follows through and is willing to leverage his personal connections to help enrich a client’s experience.”
For example, while accompanying a client on a trip to Memphis, Casey “made personal introductions and connections for the client,” Emmons said. “This resulted in the client having a full adventure – seeing the sights as a local would.”
Adult Case Manager Kathy Cooper received the Dedicated Community Member Award.
“There is not a day in the past 25 years that Kathy hasn’t demonstrated caring and kindness toward her peers,” Emmons said. “She always goes above and beyond with any and every request” and “extends her services beyond the individual client to the whole family unit.”
Mobius Inc. Board of Directors member Natalie House received the Unsung Hero Award. The award recognizes someone “who makes a substantive yet unrecognized contribution; a person whose bravery is unknown or unacknowledged; a person who, through their actions, demonstrates care and commitment to the agency mission.”
“When budget cuts resulted in eliminating the front desk position at the community center, Natalie was there to volunteer her time two mornings a week; she navigates the phone system while keeping up with the inner movements and workings of the agency,” Emmons said.
Cooper and Janice Warring received 25- and 20-year tenure awards, respectively. Recipients of 15-year awards were Rhianna Romero and Romy Spitz, and recipients of 10-year awards were Judith Harris and George Wilson.
Recipients of five-year awards were Debra Baughman, Lynne Brackett, Ted Casey, Jessica Farnsworth, Evan Horne, Joe Hoyt, Antoniette McArthur, Karen McGinley, Barbara Whitsit, and Ying Zhang.
Avery Olmstead was the keynote speaker. Olmstead, 44, of Old Town, has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. He also has a Bachelor of Science degree in rehabilitation services from the University of Maine at Farmington and a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of South Carolina at Columbia. He advocates for people with disabilities as a legislative associate with Speaking Up for Us of Maine.
Jay Tattan was the client speaker. A service recipient at Mobius since 2006, he serves as a client representative on the board of directors. Tattan was a founding member of the agency’s Learning Exploration Achievement Discovery program, also known as LEAD, which helps young adults achieve independence.
Mobius Inc. serves individuals with disabilities at more than 20 locations – almost all in Lincoln County – and employs more than 120 people, according to its annual report.
