May 1, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact: Catherine K. Brown, (215) 581-0717

INGLIS HOUSE HONORS EXCEPTIONAL VOLUNTEERS AT ANNUAL LUNCHEON

(Philadelphia, PA) – Inglis House, a specialty long-term care facility for adults with physical disabilities, located in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia, hosted its annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on April 23, 2009. The following awards for exceptional service were presented by Volunteer Coordinator Robert Pomerenke.

• Richard Auerbach of West Philadelphia received the Jeanne W. Church Award for Volunteer of the Year. For nearly two years, Mr. Auerbach has volunteered in the resident lounge developing an electronic database for the resident library and training residents to use the system. In addition, he tutors residents taking college level courses and volunteers in the Adult Day Program. He is also a member of the Inglis Consumer Advisory Committee, recommending ways to reduce barriers to independent living for people with disabilities.
• The Sara and Claire Levin Award for Outstanding Nook Volunteer went to Helen Cooney of Ridley Park, PA, for volunteering at the Inglis House resident convenience store known as The Nook.
• The Al Hirschburger Award for Outstanding Staff Support was given to Admissions Director Catherine “Cass” Cronin of Cheltenham, PA. She frequently assists the Volunteer Department.
• Larry Devinney, a student at St. Joseph’s University, won the Margaret Russell Award for Outstanding Group Leader. He volunteers weekly at Inglis and acts as the student site coordinator at Inglis House for the St. Joseph’s University Service Ministry.
• The Henrietta Peterson Award for Outstanding Resident Volunteer was presented to Donna Monique Johnson, who greets volunteer groups and assists with their orientation at Inglis House.
• Points to Ponder received the Ann Sopp Award for Outstanding Group. The organization is part of Handi*Vangelism Ministries International (Akron, PA), a Christian ministry for people with disabilities.
• Anita Walker of Wayne, PA, received the John Allen Award for Outstanding Parent Support. Her son, David Walker, is a longtime resident of Inglis House. Ms. Walker runs a weekly discussion group at Inglis House called the Knighties of the Round Table.

Cindy Kerr, founder of ConKerr Cancer and wife of Inglis President and CEO Gavin Kerr, delivered the keynote speech at the luncheon. The mission of ConKerr Cancer is “to make life brighter for children with life changing illnesses and injuries” by making pillowcases to brighten their hospital rooms. Mrs. Kerr shared the story of ConKerr Cancer and spoke about the value of volunteerism.

Inglis House is a specialty long-term care facility for 297 adults with physical disabilities. It offers long-term, rehabilitative medical and nursing care; physical, occupational and speech therapies; and social enrichment programs.

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