It’s the most wonderful time of the year! No, it’s not Christmas in July. It’s the 2026 Living Resources Day Services Awards Ceremony!
From Warren and Westchester Counties to every stop in between, our incredible staff and participants journeyed to Hudson High School with one goal in mind: to celebrate. And let’s be honest, when this group gets together, it’s always a party. The energy was electric from the very first beat of the music, with everyone singing and dancing along, their joy absolutely contagious.
This ceremony is the grand celebration of a year’s worth of hard work. We cheered for participants who mastered new skills towards independence, from navigating transportation and cooking up a storm to tackling math and computer goals. But just as importantly, we celebrated the beautiful, unwritten milestones: the kindness, the friendship, and the unwavering support they offer one another every single day. We also took great pride in presenting our Starlight Awards, which honor staff members and participants from each county for their outstanding merit and dedication.
While our hearts were full of celebration, we also took time to pause and honor the cherished members of our community whom we have lost. We held a moment of silence to remember the legacy of Joe Morelli, our Associate Executive Director of Operations & Compliance, whose 33 years of extraordinary leadership, compassion, and commitment helped shape the heart of Living Resources.
In memory of Nah’Quis Williams, a beloved program participant taken from us too soon, we were deeply moved to present the inaugural Master Chef Award to participant Michael Stapf. It was a profoundly touching moment as Nah’Quis’ mother, Nanesha Davis, joined us to help present the award, a beautiful tribute to her son’s spirit.
Former Town of Colonie Mayor Frank A. Leak was a tireless supporter of Living Resources. In his memory, we were proud to present the Mayor Frank A. Leak Community Enrichment Award to BBL and the Main Street Community Center for their incredible dedication to our community.
Amanda Rivenburg was a bright light and former Assistant Director of the Day Community Opportunities Program (DCOP) who was tragically killed in the Schoharie limousine crash on October 6, 2018. To honor her memory, her parents, Donna Floyd Rivenburg and Thomas Rivenburg, presented the prestigious Amanda Rivenburg Phoenix Award. This year, it was awarded to the phenomenal Kattiana Casseus. Kattiana has been a true beacon of positivity, rising from a DSP to an Assistant Director in just three years through sheer dedication and brilliant leadership.
Continuing Amanda’s legacy, the Amanda R. Rivenburg Memorial Scholarship was established in 2024 through an investment by her father, Thomas J. Rivenburg, and matched by the Living Resources Foundation. This fund empowers our staff to pursue their educational dreams. We were thrilled to announce our 2026 recipients: Quyana Thevenin, who received $1,000 to further her Bachelor’s degree, and Radmyla Lutsenko, who received $2,500 toward the completion of her Master’s degree.
As we look back on the outpouring of love, the incredible milestones, and the spirit of community that filled the room, it is hard not to feel that same warmth and magic we usually reserve for the winter holidays. Because our staff and participants reflect such a beautiful, vast array of traditions and backgrounds, the atmosphere was a true testament to the spirit of all seasons. Perhaps, in the midst of all this joy and celebration, it really was a little bit of the winter holiday spirit in July after all!
