Local Long Term Care Program Honored

    CARLSBAD, NM, August 26, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) announced the recipients for the 2015 AHCA/NCAL Awards program. The recipient of the Not for Profit Program (NFP) of the Year award is CARC Inc.'s Work Services Program, in Carlsbad, New Mexico.

"CARC's employ team has been long recognized for their leadership in the New Mexico long term care community that serves individuals with disabilities," said Linda Sechovec, executive director of the New Mexico Health Care Association. "We are very proud of this national honor for CARC," she stated, "because we know how hard they work day in and day out to involve clients in quality employment and community activities."

"The Work Services Program identifies employment needs of the community and integrates its clients into that environment," according to CARC CEO Mark Schinnerer. "It's a stepping stone for individuals to develop good work habits and learn social skills. The next career step is to advance to the Supported Employment Program, which provides greater autonomy and earning potential for clients."

Each year, AHCA/NCAL recognizes the men and women who give freely of themselves in caring for individuals in long term and post-acute care centers, residences for individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as assisted living communities

Additional Honorees for 2015 include:
- Hero of the Year- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Kara Larsen, West Jordan Care Center, West Jordan, UT.
- Adult Volunteer of the Year: Maryann Greco, Allendale Community for Senior Living, Allendale, NJ
- Young Adult Volunteer of the Year: Reilly Sasaki, Good Samaritan Society, Boise, ID
- Group Volunteer of the Year: American Legion Auxiliary Post #9, Maine Veterans' Home-Machias, ME

Honors for each recipient will be presented at the AHCA/NCAL 66th Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas on October 7, 2015.

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