Kennedy Center Presented Awards to Four Fairfield Recipients

Opportunity, possibility, and impact: it’s something all of us strive to achieve in our everyday lives. But anyone affiliated with The Kennedy Center knows these powerful words embody everything this major rehabilitation agency stands for.

Richard E. Sebastian, Jr., of Shelton, the new President & CEO of The Kennedy Center, conveyed this inspirational message of hope to over 170 guests who attended The Center’s 67th Annual Awards Dinner. This major annual celebration took place at the Bridgeport Holiday Inn. During his riveting keynote speech he recounted many personal stories and then focused on the many opportunities The Kennedy Center provides the community.

The event concluded with the Awards Presentation, with 12 awards given to area employers, volunteers, staff and persons with disabilities. These awards pay tribute to those who have made outstanding personal achievements or significant contributions to people with disabilities.

Four award recipients were from Fairfield: Fairfield University won The Corporate VIP (Very Important Partner) Award, Bear Hugs Child Care Center was named Competitive Employer of the Year, Chris Hasak received the Supported Employee of the Year and, the Exercise Science Club at Sacred Heart University was honored as Volunteer of the Year.

The Corporate VIP (Very Important Partner) Award - Fairfield University

The Corporate Very Important Partner Award is given to a community partner who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to The Kennedy Center and to the individuals they serve. Fairfield University epitomizes the criteria of this award to its fullest.

For over 30 years, Fairfield University has hired The Kennedy Center’s maintenance crew to care and maintain the grounds of its beautiful campus. Currently, they employ three Kennedy Center workers. Serving on the crew has given them many opportunities for job growth and satisfaction.

In addition, The Kennedy Center and Fairfield’s Campus Ministry have partnered together on the Best Buddy Program. For over 20 years, students have been paired with individuals from The Kennedy Center and participate in monthly campus activities and individual outings. Lifelong friendships have developed from this program.

Many Fairfield University students also have volunteered, interned or participated in service learning at The Kennedy Center. These volunteer opportunities range from special education students who intern in the Autism Project to film students who made a video of The Kennedy Center’s Maggie Daly Arts Cooperative.

Most recently, The Kennedy Center and Fairfield University launched an innovative project last year to address an unfilled need for high school transition students with autism. The Kennedy Center’s Children’s Department partnered with Dr. Robert Hannafin, Dean of the Graduate School of Education and Applied Professions, and Assistant Professor, Dr. Alyson Martin to develop T.O.P.S. – Transition Opportunities for Post-Secondary Success. Now into the second semester, T.O.P.S. meets weekly at Fairfield University utilizing the campus as a classroom to help young adults with autism gain independent living skills and social skills. Both graduate and undergraduate students assist in this class gaining valuable experience for those planning a career in special education.

Competitive Employer of the Year - Bear Hugs Child Care Center

Since 2012, Bear Hugs Child Care Center in Fairfield has provided working evaluations and direct placements for many individuals at The Kennedy Center. Moneca Harrison, Executive Director and Head Teacher and her staff are very deserving of the Competitive Employee of the Year Award.

Currently, the Work Services program has two individuals working on site. One individual is in the process of returning to school to further her education in child care, while the second individual continually learns new skills.

Bear Hugs exemplifies all the attributes of a great employer and community partner.

Supported Employee of the Year – Chris Hasak

Chris Hasak of Fairfield has been working with Supported Employment at Fairfield University for 34 years. With excellent attendance and a great work attitude, he has eagerly accepted numerous job coaches and co-workers over the years.

He diligently works five days per week, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., keeping the campus clean. He starts his day by independently loading the truck with the necessary tools to complete his work. Within minutes, he is emptying trash, sweeping sidewalks and picking up litter. He also “jumps” right in to assist his co-workers and staff without any need to ask. When he observes someone struggling with any task, he is right there to help. He even directs new staff around the large campus, which he knows inside out, until they are able to navigate it on their own.

As a friendly, outgoing person with a great sense of humor, he is well- known and well-liked by all Fairfield University employees and many students. He will retire in February 2019 after 35 years of service. He will be remembered for his patience, perseverance, humor and his presence.

Volunteer of the Year - Exercise Science Club, Sacred Heart University

The Exercise Science Club at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield was recognized as Volunteer of the Year. Members of the Science Club volunteered in two Kennedy Center programs this past year.

Their first volunteer project was an exercise class for a Kennedy Center day support program, Project Impact. Each week they plan and instruct different exercise programs to fit the needs of the individuals, all with a positive and encouraging approach.

They are also involved in organizing Healing Water Swim Lessons for The Autism Project. Club members work alongside the program’s certified Occupational Therapist to assist with swim instruction to create a safe and fun swimming experience. One of the club members is now employed by The Kennedy Center’s Autism Project after enjoying this volunteer assignment.

Members of the Exercise Science Club are a true asset to The Kennedy Center’s Internship and Volunteer Department. The students made time for these programs while balancing academics, sports and other jobs.

The Kennedy Center, founded in 1951, is an internationally accredited, non-profit, community-based rehabilitation organization that currently serves over 2,000 individuals annually. The agency actively responds to the needs of the community by offering innovative, comprehensive service options to persons with disabilities and special needs, from birth to senior years. The Kennedy Center operates 31 community experience programs, 17 group homes, an industries program composed of six businesses, supported and competitive employment and job placement services, a family support and respite service, travel training, and a variety of children’s programs. Visit www.thekennedycenterinc.org for more information.

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