Merkel earns Founders Humanitarian Award

ONEIDA, N.Y. » The Arc of Madison Cortland presented the FoundersHumanitarian Award to Cathy Merkel who works at CrouseCommunity Center in Morrisville, N.Y.

Merkel was unable to attend The Arc of Madison Cortland Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony on June 7, so with the help of Crouse Community Center Executive DirectorDJ Raux, The Arc of Madison Cortland delivered the award to her.

Merkel not only supports people with disabilities through employment opportunities, but she offers assistance to people in need to help themsucceed beyond their workplace.

“Cathy is committed to making sure the people she works with not only succeed in their employment, but they succeed in life,” said Ashley Hillenbrand, director of Employment Services at The Arc of Madison Cortland. “In fact, she looks out for everyone’s health, safety and best interests.”

Throughout the years, Merkel has offered emotional support during challenging times in her employees’ lives, hashelpedfindsafehousing, has taught them vocational and life skills and has literally saved lives.

“I love my job, the people I work with, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Merkel said. “It is an honor to receive this award.”

The Arc of Madison Cortland is grateful for Merkel’s commitment to the employees she supervises and for her dedication, compassion and for enriching the lives of people with disabilities.

“The Founders Humanitarian Award is one of the most distinguished awards presented by our agency, and we thank Cathy for embodying the mission and guiding principles of The Arc of Madison Cortland,” said Jack Campbell, executive director at The Arc ofMadison Cortland. David, left, is a janitor at Crouse Community Center who works closely with Cathy Merkel on a daily basis.