Celebrating CLA’s Everyday Heroes: 2026 Awards Ceremony
On Friday, September 11, CLA came together for our annual Awards Ceremony to celebrate the people who make our community so special. This year, we recognized milestones ranging from 5 to an incredible 40 years!
With a fun First Responder theme, the celebration honored CLA’s own everyday heroes—the people receiving services, Host Home Providers, staff and Board members who have contributed to our community over the years.
With a fun First Responder theme, the celebration honored CLA’s own everyday heroes—the people receiving services, Host Home Providers, staff and Board members who have contributed to our community over the years.
Celebrating This Year’s Honorees
We are proud to recognize:
- Kathleen P. — 40 Years
- Paul T. — 35 Years
- Debi Smith (Staff) — 25 Years
- Brook Phifer (Board of Directors) — 20 Years
- Teresa E. (Host Home Provider) — 20 Years
- Theresa A. (Host Home Provider) — 15 Years
- Liliana P. — 10 Years
- Sheri C. — 10 Years
- Elizabeth L. — 10 Years
- Ken Dwenger (Board of Directors/Volunteer) — 10 Years
- Dave Yoder (Staff) — 10 Years
- Ana S. (Host Home Provider) — 10 Years
- Linda Watkins (Board of Directors) — 5 Years
More Than Milestones
Behind every number are years of experiences, relationships, accomplishments, challenges, growth and memories.
Whether someone has received services through CLA, provided support as a staff member or Host Home Provider, volunteered their time, or helped guide our organization as a member of the Board of Directors, each person has contributed to the CLA community in their own way.
Two especially remarkable milestones this year were Kathleen P.’s 40 years with CLA and Paul T.’s 35 years with CLA and CLASS. These anniversaries remind us that CLA is ultimately about people—and the relationships and connections built over time.
Whether someone has received services through CLA, provided support as a staff member or Host Home Provider, volunteered their time, or helped guide our organization as a member of the Board of Directors, each person has contributed to the CLA community in their own way.
Two especially remarkable milestones this year were Kathleen P.’s 40 years with CLA and Paul T.’s 35 years with CLA and CLASS. These anniversaries remind us that CLA is ultimately about people—and the relationships and connections built over time.