Parks and Recreation Staff Receive Recognition Through Partnership with The Alpha Group
Lisa Hatton and Nyvone Mahaxay
Front row from left: David, Sarah, Nyvone, Aya and Hannah. Back row from left: Lisa, Lucas and Chrys.
Since 1970, The Alpha Group, a non-profit agency, has provided gainful employment, quality rehabilitation and adult day support services to individuals with disabilities in Central Ohio by connecting small groups of individuals with developmental disabilities to volunteer with staff at area facilities. Two staff members, Lisa Hatton and Nyvone Mahaxay, maintenance custodians at the Westerville Community Center, have been working with the group for almost one year. Hatton and Mahaxay take extra care to ensure there are volunteer opportunities for the group when they arrive. “As soon as they arrive they are eager to get to work but first are excited to tell us about their week,” said Hatton. “They then get their supplies together and are ready to get out into the Community Center.” Some tasks assigned to each individual include cleaning restrooms, sweeping, dusting and sometimes picking up trash outside. “It is amazing to see how motivated they are by the desire to help when volunteering and are happy and excited to learn,” said Hatton. Hatton and Mahaxay are so devoted to working with the Alpha Group Team that they were presented with the organization’s Community Partnership Award on Sept. 26. The award is offered annually to employees 18
who have gone above and beyond when it comes to working with and caring for the participants. “They do an excellent job of showing our clients exactly what needs to be done the right way with no shortcuts,” said Alpha Group Adult Day Support Program Assistant Chrys Rice. “They are very friendly and patient.” Rice says both Hatton and Mahaxay are very understanding with the participants and help where needed by working though any issues. “We are truly honored to receive this award,” said Mahaxay. “Working with the group is an amazing opportunity to connect with participants and hopefully enhance their lives, as they are enhancing ours.” Participants of the Integrated Adult program with The Alpha Group enjoy social interaction through activities and are encouraged to give back to the community by volunteering at area facilities. The Group routinely brings five to six individuals to the Westerville Community Center every Wednesday. Other activities in this program include outings such as visits to the library, museums, ball games, shopping, attending a play and going to the zoo. If you are interested in learning more about The Alpha Group, visit alphagroup.net.
