10.16.2007 – Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – Mark Hamilton, Regional Director at Fayette Resources, Inc. has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Association of Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities (PAR) as one of two recipients of the Pennsylvania Advocate of the Year Award for exemplary service and leadership in political advocacy on behalf of people with autism and intellectual disabilities (also referred to as mental retardation). As Regional Director, Mark serves the DuBois area including Clearfield, Jefferson, Clarion and Elk Counties.

 

Fayette Resources joins PAR in recognizing Mark's contribution to people with disabilities. Kathryn Susano Morris, CEO of Fayette Resources, has witnessed first-hand the dedication and enthusiasm in his work. "Mark personifies the qualities needed to be an effective advocate and this is evident in his work. It's a comforting feeling knowing that Mark is in your corner, supporting the agency and its mission."

 

This award recognizes an individual, who by their tenacity and perseverance, publicly demonstrates effective advocacy in the Pennsylvania political process at the local, regional and statewide level; and who offers, as well as embraces, new ideas to advance the quality of community mental retardation services and support. It is also important to note that PAR does not give this award every year. This honor was specifically bestowed upon Mr. Hamilton for his advocacy not only for persevering through the most recent budget cycles in Pennsylvania, but also for his continual dedication to educating policy-makers about the needs of some of their most vulnerable constituents. 

 

Mark’s efforts enabled both Fayette’s staff and individuals with intellectual disabilities, who receive services through Fayette Resources, to participate directly in the legislative process. Their advocacy, combined with strong grassroots activity throughout the state, resulted in a 3% cost of living increase for community-based mental retardation services in the FY2007-2008 Pennsylvania budget.   

 

 

Fayette Resources’ Mission: To support people with disabilities in the community by providing the highest quality individualized services, which promote independence, choice, growth, acceptance and respect.

 

Background: Established in 1991, Fayette Resources, Inc. serves adults and children with disabilities using a wide variety of carefully constructed person centered services. As a well respected provider, Fayette Resources' programming includes innovative residential services, adult training, behavior management and individual program planning consultation, training for professional/support staff and families, employment training and technical assistance.

 

 

The Pennsylvania Association of Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities (PAR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization dedicated to the continuous quality improvement of services and supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and children and adults living with autism and their families. PAR member agencies support over 45,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities as well as over 8,000 people living with autism in over 5,600 locations in the Commonwealth. For more information, visit www.par.net.

 

 

Mark Hamilton

Fayette Resources

87 Beaver Drive

DuBois, PA  15801

Phone: (814) 372-2115

Fax: (814) 372-2119

 

For press photos or additional graphics:

Michael Snyder

Spark Creative Group

Phone: (856) 854-2647, ex.30

mike@spark-creative.net.