Jabour, Dusty and Terry each braved the rain and got out to vote for their choice in who they would like to win the 2020 Presidential race! #GetOutAndVote

We want to thank everyone who came out to the 2020 Autauga/ Western Elmore Arc General Membership Meeting last night!  We would've been kidding ourselves if we expected for the night to go off without a hitch, but we did what we do best and improvised! If you couldn't make the meeting last night, here's a summary of what went down!

The following Employee's were recognized for their hard work and dedication to the AWE/Arc programs:
Doris J. Grant Residential Program DSP of the Year:   Sabrina Johnson
Louise M. Smith Developmental Center DSP of the Year: Angelique Evans
Transportation Employee of the Year: Sheryl Cudjoe 

Community Recognition awards went to: 
Volunteer of the Year:  Ms. Ivy Johnson  (Grant Johson, Hope Johnson & Alyssa Smith)
Smithy Award:  Ms. Karen Tucker
President's Award:  Ms. Crystal Shepherd

The following Directors were recognized for their service with the Board of Directors:
Butch McCawley
Raymond Butler
Patsy Butler
Will Sanford
Chris Peak

Award to Board President
Kim Kervin

Residential Special Recognition 
Australia McNeil
Lakecha Lewis

Our friends at Prattville's Home2 Suites so graciously took it upon themselves to put together an angel tree for some of the Smith Center attendees! Some people who attend AWE Arc programs have little to no family involvement. As you can imagine, the holiday season can be a difficult time of year for them. Thanks so much to those who organized the angel tree and all who contributed. You've truly made this Christmas special!

Today we delivered classroom supplies to the Pine Level Elementary School Special Education Class. Ms. Sculley and her crew were so appreciative of the Smith Center for sponsoring their classroom this Christmas. It's always fun to visit the kids in the school system. This is a great learning opportunity for the people we support here at the Smith Center. We all have something to GIVE! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all!

Below:  Wanda and Alice take a photo with their friends Addison, Justin and Tony.

Brandi, Alice & Wanda at Pine Level Elementary School.
GO BULLDOGS!!

This little group consists of some of the Smith Center's biggest fans! The Prattville Civitan Club has always held those we serve close to their hearts. They love to come this time of year and spread a little bit of holiday cheer just before Christmas! 

What a great start to the week! The Dogs-on-Call came by for a visit today! We will be seeing them twice a month from now on, for regular visits. We couldn't be more excited!

Our annual Smith Center Bass Classic is rapidly approaching! Although the temps are extremely warm, rumor has it the fish are still biting! Hurry now and register for the 2019 Bass Classic for your chance to win $2,000!   Second place is $750 and third place is $500!

Click on the file below to download your entry form!  Don't want to mail it in? That's okay, for rules, on line registration, and additional information, visit https://ogstournaments.com/2019-benefit-tournaments  or contact Mike Oglesbee @ (386)546-3614

"The world would be a much better place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog."

We were paid a visit by a man and his two canines this past Friday. But these weren't just your ordinary folk'.  It was our good friend Mark Vosel and the DOGS ON CALL! There's certainly something special about the three of them. The Golden Retrievers, Millie and Eli, are two of the best companions you could ask for; so calm, gentle and confident. Their patience with people of all abilities just amazes me. They say there is nothing like the unconditional love of a dog-  I believe it! 

Their handler/daddy, Mark is a one in a million friend. It's no wonder his dogs are so even-tempered and approachable. This guy is the epitome of compassion. Whether it's a hug, a handshake, a kind gesture or a sweet story to make you smile on a rough day... he's your guy.  

Thank you Mark, Millie and Eli for coming by the Smith Center! See you later, friends...

To learn more about the Dogs on Call, click the link below
https://dogsoncall.com/

I never really understood people who say that something "went off without a hitch."  I mean, I know what the terminology means, but does that really EVER happen?  Not for AWE Arc. There's always got to be some sort of excitement!  But, if you ask for my opinion, Monday night's Annual General Membership Meeting went very well!  We got through it Smithy-style and said a sweet goodbye to 2018. ELEVEN Directors were voted in to service, which makes for a 50% change in the Board. It was a sad goodbye to Board President, Sam Peak. "Coach,"  we wish you well in your next endeavors! 

The following service awards were given out for 2018:
Volunteer of the Year:     334 Jeeps
Smithy Award:      Buffalo Rock
President's award:    Leadership Autauga County

Thank you for your support!

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm excited to get this new year started!
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Photos:   This stellar staff of E.I.E.I.O. was highlighted throughout the meeting! You couldn't meet a nicer, more kind-hearted group of ladies!  Thanks for all you do for the littlest members of our community!

Congratulations to Angie Crum and Annette Holliday for winning Employee of the Year in their Departments!
Crystal Johnson was awarded Residential DSP of the Year as well!

Thank you all for your hard work and dedication to those we support! These tokens of appreciation were much deserved!