INARF Speaks at Passages Annual Meeting

INARF member Passages, Inc. held its annual meeting this September 22. INARFs Membership Engagement Director, Nanette Hagedorn, was invited to speak at the event. When speaking, Hagedorn praised Passages' passion for supporting individuals with disabilities and its commitment to seeing the services of tomorrow to be more individualized and self-supporting. The full press release is below:

Passages held their annual meeting on Tuesday, September 22nd at Eagle’s Nest Event Center in Columbia City. Kim Dodson, Executive Director of the Arc of Indiana, and Nanette Hagedorn, Director of Membership Engagement from the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilites (INARF) spoke to employees, individuals served, and community supporters of Passages in attendance. During the meeting Lindsey Grossnickle, Alan Tio and Ryan Wilson were recognized for their years of service to the Passages Board of Directors. Elizabeth Deckard, Paula Langeloh, Cindy Riemersma and DJ Sigler were all welcomed to the Passages Board of Directors. Passages programs were featured as part of the evening. Passages staff and individuals served by the organization highlighted Passages Community program, the Navigators self-advocacy group, and the Creative Arts program. The AWS Foundation received the “Community Partnership With Passages Award” for their outstanding support of the Passages Art Program through Creative Arts and most recently with grant support to begin “Spotlight Avenue”, a performing arts program at Passages in partnership with “The Jesters” in Fort Wayne. Jason Meyer, President and CEO of Passages gave a year in review for the organization and highlighted future initiatives. Meyer also honored and thanked Alice Anderson, Vice President of Programs and Services for Passages who is retiring from the organization later in September. Jim & Kay Fleck presented the second Jim & Kay Fleck Advocacy award to September McConnell, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Whitley County. McConnell was recognized for her many years of advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as her tremendous support of Passages. At the beginning of the evening, everyone enjoyed light refreshments provided by Ceruti’s, and everyone in attendance received a Passages Annual Report. Additionally, everyone in attendance received a pledge form for Passages donations, and a save the date card highlighting 2016 events for the organization. These events include: The Passages Art Show on Thursday, March 10th, 2016, Passages 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, April 16th, 2016 and the Passages Annual Meeting on Tuesday, September 27th, 2016.