Ohio Public Images Recognizes AIM Group!

As one of the founding members of the Advocacy In Media (AIM) group, Ohio Valley Goodwill was thrilled to be one of the partner organizations represented at the 2009 Media and Awareness Awards luncheon event held in Columbus on March 9th. The annual awards are designed to honor individuals and organizations throughout Ohio who, through exceptional efforts, have succeeded in creating a greater understanding of people with developmental disabilities. The Advocacy In Media (AIM) group is a sub-committee of the Community Ambassadors Resource Alliance (CARA)   which was created to promote the use of “People First” language by journalists in writing stories about individuals with disabilities. AIM is hosting its 2nd annual awards luncheon on March 19th at Ohio Valley Goodwill and this year is including electronic as well as print media in its award categories.   “Ohio Valley Goodwill is extremely supportive of the advocacy efforts of the AIM group,” said Joe Byrum, President/CEO. “We are especially delighted that Ohio Public Images selected the group for first-time recognition this year,” added Byrum. AIM Chairperson, Jenny Dexter (Hamilton County Board of MR/DD), along with Sharon Hannon, Goodwill Marketing Specialist and AIM committee members, Janet Gora, John Romer and Linda Kunick were the AIM representatives at this year’s Awards event. Ohio Valley Goodwill has worked in partnership with the Hamilton County Board of MR/DD for more than 25 years and has a proud history of collaboration on initiatives that serve to benefit the individuals that both organizations mutually serve.

Pictured, at top: John Romer, AIM, HCBMR/DD and Linda Kunick, AIM, RHC.

Pictured, above: L to R: Kate Hawkins, CARA Chair, Jenny Dexter, AIM Chair, Janet Gora,   AIM, DSA, Sharon Hannon, AIM, OVGI, and Cheryl Phipps, HCBMR/DD Sup’t.