Brick Woman To Be Honored For Her Work With Easter Seals Clients

Judi Ranno goes out of her way to make sure every person she comes in contact with has a special day.

The Brick woman, who is a direct support professional for Easter Seals New Jersey in its adult day program in Lakewood, succeeds in doing just that, according to Brian Fitzgerald, president and CEO of Easter Seals NJ.

For her efforts, which have received praise from her clients, Ranno has been named the recipient of the 2014 New Jersey Association of Community Providers Leadership Award.

“All of Judi’s actions demonstrate love and kindness and she possesses an amazing ability to connect with people and make them feel special and valued,” Fitzgerald said, in announcing the award, which will be presented to Ranno Friday afternoon at the NJACP 31st Annual Conference at Bally’s Park Place Casino & Resort in Atlantic City. The presentation is set for the , NJ. This award will be presented at conference’s keynote luncheon, Easter Seals officials said.

Fitzgerald praised Ranno on her strong leadership skills and commitment to making a difference in the lives of the nearly 75 program participants at Easter Seals NJ adult day program in Lakewood.

“Her kind, supportive and calming nature does not go unnoticed by the individuals she works with, their caregivers, and her fellow staff members,” he said.

It is people like Ranno who are the heart and soul of Easter Seals NJ’s mission as they impact the lives of program participants on a daily basis.

NJACP represents a diverse community of providers dedicated to elevating community-based services that enrich lives and build futures for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each year NJACP presents leadership awards in recognition of outstanding employee contributions in support of people with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities across the state.

Easter Seals New Jersey is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that has helped individuals and families with disabilities or special needs to live, learn, work and play in their communities with equality, dignity and independence since 1948. Annually, more than 7,000 people and families in New Jersey affected by developmental disabilities including autism, physical disabilities, mental illness and other special needs receive services in our programs designed to help them work toward achieving independence and full community-integration. For more information on Easter Seals New Jersey and its statewide disability services, please contact 732-257-6662 or visitwww.eastersealsnj.org or www.facebook.com/eastersealsnj.