Call for Nominations - 2014 INARF Annual Awards & Costa N. Miller Scholarship

The Training and Professional Development Committee is pleased to announce the 2014 INARF Annual Awards and Scholarship Call for Nominations. 

Excellence is the result of great people doing great things - many dedicated individuals and partners have contributed to the success of Hoosier provider agencies and the people they serve. These exciting awards give INARF members the opportunity to recognize the significant contributions and efforts of outstanding individuals including Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), agency leaders, community partners, and persons with disabilities.

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2014 Award Categories: 
James M. Hammond III Award | Keystone Award | Partnership Award | Justin Dart Personal Achievement Award | Costa N. Miller Scholarship Award 
Awards will be presented at the 2014 INARF Annual Awards Luncheon on March 13 at the Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites. 
Don't miss the opportunity to publicly recognize and thank those who make our world a better place.

-------------JAMES M. HAMMOND III AWARD-------------

For over thirty years, retired INARF CEO James M. Hammond III worked to promote a vibrant and sustainable system of services, bringing agency leaders and key state officials together to address critical issues. The James M. Hammond III Award recognizes an outstanding executive/administrator in the human services industry whose passion for excellence in programming is unparalleled. Award nominees should possess the entrepreneurial spirit, political acumen, ethical demeanor, and professional posture necessary to further the interests of their organizations and the provider community as a whole. These distinguished individuals:

• Diligently stay the course in the delivery of quality services 
• Develop effective programming and embrace the latest industry innovations and creative use of resources 
• Believe in the worth of individuals of all abilities, as manifested through operations/programming and upholding the missions of their agencies

---------------------KEYSTONE AWARD---------------------

The Keystone Award is presented to an outstanding Direct Support Professional currently employed in the Indiana service delivery system. These DSPs manifest the mission of the human service/habilitation industry through personal attributes and dedication to the service of persons with disabilities. To qualify for this award, candidates must have been employed as DSPs for at least three years and actively participate in on-going professional development. These dedicated professionals:

• Employ innovative techniques, enriching the quality of services and the quality of life for those receiving services 
  
• Support and uphold the rights of individuals with disabilities 
  
• Embrace positive change and collaborate with persons being served to create meaningful life experiences
  

-------------------PARTNERSHIP AWARD-------------------


The Partnership Award is presented to a community partner (i.e.- individual, business, club, educational institution or corporation) that has made significant contributions to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and the agencies serving them. Partners demonstrate their commitment to improving the lives of persons receiving services by creating opportunities for and advancing positive public images of persons with disabilities. These contributions may include:

• Fund-raising efforts and donations 
  
• Volunteerism 
  
• Public education and public relations initiatives 
  
• Employment opportunities for people with disabilities
  

-JUSTIN DART PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD-


The Justin Dart Personal Achievement Award is presented to an individual who has participated in services through an INARF member agency. The candidates will have maximized their skills and abilities to achieve their chosen goals and build a fulfilling life. Achievements may include volunteerism, advocacy on behalf of disability issues, and/or upward mobility and dedication to reaching their personal goals. Candidates for this award will have:

• Utilized habilitation and/or rehabilitation services to enhance their independence and quality of life 
  
• Been involved in services for over two years 
  
• Have a significant disability
  

------COSTA N. MILLER SCHOLARSHIP AWARD------


The Costa N. Miller Scholarship Award is presented to an outstanding Direct Support Professional to aid in the pursuit of higher education to benefit the human service industry, and includes a monetary award in the amount of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500). Award applicants and nominees must have been employed by an INARF member organization for at least two years and be enrolled in an undergraduate program with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or above. Nominations must include:

• Qualifications for the award and how the scholarship award will be used to further work in the human service industry 
  
• Official copy of college transcript
  

This scholarship award is made possible through Mr. Miller's friends, family and professional colleagues whose contributions to the Costa N. Miller Fund pay tribute to his lifelong dedication to our industry. The Nominating Committee has the option to select up to two individuals to receive this award.


--------------SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS--------------



Each Annual Award and/or Costa N. Miller Scholarship nomination must include a one-page narrative that describes the accomplishments of the nominee or organization as related to the specific award and include information such as:

• Contributions to the human services industry 
  
• Professional and civic honors 
  
• Professional memberships 
  
• On-going professional development 
• Other relevant information

Click here to access the Nomination Form. Completed forms can be submitted via Email to: [email protected] or via Fax: 317/634-3221. There is no limit to the number of nominations an organization may submit. 

Submission/Review Process: 
All nominations are due on or before Friday, February 7, 2014. Individuals submitting nomination(s) will be notified on or before February 20, 2014 of the status of their nomination. We apologize that we will be unable to accept submissions with a narrative exceeding one-page and/or postmarked after February 7, 2014. 

For Questions: 
Please contact Nanette Hagedorn, Director of Engagement & Development at 317/634-4957 or [email protected].