| GARDNER — GAAMHA Inc. and Coleman Assembly & Packaging Inc. held an open house Wednesday to thank staff for their hard work while showcasing the many residents with special needs who benefit from the community program. Along with the many city and state officials who were in attendance, Mayor Mark Hawke appeared as the event’s keynote speaker. GAAMHA Inc. is a community organization dedicated to providing services to individuals with unique needs throughout the greater Gardner area. GAAMHA offers vocational programs that provide work opportunities to clientele who have developmental disabilities, a school to work program that provides work-related activity and education to special education students, and operates as a pathway house for men who have problems with substance abuse. Coleman Assembly President and CEO Sybil Arguijo said that the open house dinner was a way thanking members of the organization for their hard work and dedication. “It is a combination of things, it is a celebration of a variety of efforts and a way of saying thank you to all of the people we serve, the staff that works here and their families,” said Ms. Arguijo. “The event also will give us the opportunity to give a tour that will showcase the various business products that we do for a lot of different companies.” During his speech, Mr. Hawke said that it was events like this that have made his tenure as mayor an enjoyable experience. “I enjoy speaking at meetings like this because GAAMHA is one of those hidden treasures in Gardner,” said Mr. Hawke. “I spoke to the Gardner Area Inter-Agency Team last week and learned a little more about GAAMHA. I learned that the transportation services offered aren’t just for clients, but anyone can utilize their services for a modest fee.” Mr. Hawke attributed the success of the program to the hard work of Ms. Arguijo, who he said has dedicated her life to forwarding the organization. “I can tell you that Sybil is one of the hardest working and biggest promoters of any organization I’ve seen,” said Mr. Hawke. “She is always trying to get people to come in and see what goes on here, and for good reason. Once people see the work that is done here, they’re hooked.” oboss@thegardnernews.com |
| Appeared on Page 4 on 6/5/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 133) |
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