ServiceNet Staff Recognized at DDS Citizen Advisory Board 18th Annual Community Celebration of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Four ServiceNet staff were recently recognized with awards at the DDS Citizen Advisory Board 18th Annual Community Celebration of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities on Tuesday, March 28. This year’s theme was The Importance of Relationships; Recognizing Shared Living Providers & Essential Workforce Heroes in the Time of a Pandemic. The event acknowledged and celebrated Shared Living Providers and Essential Workforce Heroes who demonstrated excellence in their work, especially during the pandemic. 

Erica Parker (pictured above), a Program Manager in ServiceNet’s Developmental and Brain Injury Services division, was honored with an Essential Workforce Hero award. Parker received proclamations of appreciation from State Senator Jacob Oliveira, State Representative Daniel R. Carey, and DDS Area Director Eliana Clinton. 

Humberto Avendano, Gloria Orazco (both pictured below), and Luz Santiago (pictured right), all ServiceNet Shared Living Providers, were also honored and awarded proclamations. Avendano and Orazco were awarded proclamations of appreciation by Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, State Senator Adam Gomez, and DDS Area Director Eliana Clinton. Santiago received proclamations of appreciation from Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, State Senator Adam Gomez, and State Senator Patricia Duffy.  

In attendance at the event were the office of State Senator Adam Gomez, State Representative Shirley Arriaga, State Representative Daniel R. Carey, the office of State Representative Michael Finn, the office of State Senator Patricia Duffy, State Senator Jacob Oliveira, Chicopee Mayor John Vieau, and Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, among other community members and guests.  

Of the awardees, DDS Area Director Eliana Clinton said, “Your work is truly remarkable, and your impact immeasurable. We cannot thank you enough. Your hard work and commitment are truly inspiring.”