Some of the award recipients
Thursday 30th January meant only one thing for everyone here at Stepping Stones NI, time to celebrate!
Along with our service users and supporters we gathered to celebrate a year of remarkable successes on Thursday 30th January 2014 at the Island Centre Lisburn.
The event, hosted by local TV and Radio presenter John Daly saw over 100 awards be presented to people for achievements in training and employment. Those accepting awards were joined by friends and family, local employers and councillors and Mayor of Lisburn, Margaret Tollerton. Representatives from the local Health Trust and the Department for Employment and Learning were also in attendance.
Speaking at the event trainee Katrine Paberzo told the packed auditorium:
“I love coming to Stepping Stones, I learn new things all the time and I have fun. I want to keep learning and getting better and I want Stepping Stones to help me.”
Former Mayor Alderman William Leathem was presented with a surprise award of Fundraising Champion for his efforts for Stepping Stones while they were his Mayoral Charity. He commented:
“Stepping Stones does such valuable work in the local community and it is simply an honour to have worked with its management, staff and all of the trainees; whom I call in to see as often as possible. I know Stepping Stones will have a very bright future and I am proud to have played a part in that.”
Our Chief Officer Paula was delighted at the achievements of our trainees and clients saying:
“Once again we have been overwhelmed and encouraged by the support we have seen over the past 12 months from our funders, local employers, local council and the Lisburn community in general. The people accessing our services continue to thrive and achieve and today is about them and is such a special day for us all. I would like to thank each and every person who continues to work hard, to achieve their potential, the Stepping Stones staff that support them to do this, the local employers offering employment to them and to all others supporting us to make lives better for people with learning disabilities and learning difficulties.
Trainee Michelle accepting her award
Trainee Stephen
Trainee Patrick
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