HowardCenter recently recognized 51 staff members on their 10-plus years working with the organization. The anniversary event at the Burlington Country Club celebrated employees’ 10, 15, 20, and 25-year milestones. Executive Director Todd Centybear acknowledged the numerous contributions employees had made throughout their tenure and referenced the words of local artist Kathryn Blume, “you keep the sky from falling in the lives of many, many individuals and families and give hope where none existed before.”
Deirdre Kell from HowardCenter Developmental Services and Ed Williamson from Mental Health and Substance Abuse were honored for 25 years of service. Lori Baxter and Sara Denton from Child, Youth and Family Services and Phyllis Harkonen and Cindy Wright from Administrative Services celebrated their 20th anniversaries. An additional 13 staff celebrated 15 years of employment and 30 staff members were recognized for 10 years of service.
Those honored are among HowardCenter’s 1,581 employees whose work each day makes a lasting impact in the lives of children and families in our community.
HowardCenter offers life-saving professional crisis and counseling services to children and adults; supportive services to individuals with autism and developmental disabilities who need help with education, employment, and life maintenance skills; counseling and medical services for those struggling with substance abuse, and intensive interventions for adults with serious and persistent mental health challenges. The agency serves 15,000 clients and other community members each year. HowardCenter is a funded agency of United Way of Chittenden County.