Laughter, dancing, smiles, and happy tears were all on display at the 2024 Living Resources Day Services Awards Ceremony. Staff and program participants traveled to Columbia-Green Community College from Warren County, Westchester County, and everywhere in between for the event.

Participants of our Day and Community Living Programs were celebrated for their achievements over the past year and staff were commended for their hard work and dedication to the individuals they work with. We heard empowering stories of the hard work and determination necessary for individuals to grow and accomplish their self-directed goals. We were touched by the retelling of times when the individuals were kind and helpful to each other and how staff supported each other and the participants they work with.

A special Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to our Associate Executive Director of Workforce & Culture, Joe LaMalfa. Joe joined us in 1999 as a Human Resources assistant and rose though a variety of positions spanning his 25 year career at Living Resources. He will be retiring in the middle of July. Thanks, Joe for your dedication to our mission!

The presence Amanda Rivenburg, Assistant Director of the Day Community Opportunities Program (DCOP) who was tragically killed in the Schoharie limousine crash on October 6, 2018 was felt especially strongly this year. The prestigious Amanda Rivenburg Rising Star Phoenix Award was presented to this year’s recipient, Theresa Richards. Theresa, like Amanda, started her career at Living Resources in a direct care role in DCOP and has risen through a variety of management positions to her current title of Assistant Director of Incident Mitigation.

In addition, we announced the creation of the Amanda R. Rivenburg Memorial Scholarship fund which was established through an initial investment by Amanda’s father, Thomas J. Rivenburg, and is being matched by an investment by the Living Resources Foundation.

The fund will support the following annual scholarships:

  • A $500 award for a Living Resources staff member pursuing an Associate’s Degree
  • A $1,000 award for a Living Resources staff member pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree
  • A $2,500 award for a Living Resources staff member pursuing a Master’s Degree

We are most grateful for this opportunity for our staff members to pursue their dreams and continue making a profound difference in the lives of those we are privileged to support.

Congratulations to all who received awards and, truly, all participants of our day programs who work every day to achieve your goals. We thank the staff who support them day in and day out in their endeavors. You are all stars!