Opportunities for People With Disabilities, Southeastern Massachusetts

Therese Arruda Recieves the Madeline Pimental Direct Service Professional Award

Therese "Terri" Arruda, Case Manager at the agency’s President Avenue Day Center, is this year’s recipient of the Madeline Pimental Direct Service Professional Award. “Terri epitomizes the spirit of this annual award which recognizes consistent excellence, commitment, caring and professionalism while serving individuals with disabilities,” says Community Connections President Donna Sabecky.
 
Terri has been employed by Community Connections since June of 1996. She joined the Day Center as a Program Aide, and was quickly promoted to the role of Mentor. Terri was promoted to Mentor/Leader in 2001 and was then promoted to Rehab Therapy Assistant in 2002. She has worked for the program in her present role of Case Manager since July of 2007.
 
Terri always shows the greatest respect, care and concern for the individuals that we serve at President Avenue. She consistently ensures that their needs are met and her professionalism is evident in her interactions with consumers, families and Service Coordinators. Always willing to lend a hand, Terri seeks input from other staff to ensure she has the most accurate information to include in her consumers' service plans. 

 The excellent work that she does every day truly honors the memory of Madeline Pimental, a Community Connections employee who for 16 years provided outstanding service to people with disabilities.