Congratulations to Gina Neary for being chosen as the 2011 Professional of the Year from ARC of Cass County. 
The following letter was written by one of her co-workers, Tricia Larson. Congratulations to Gina and well done Tricia!
Dear Arc of Cass County:
I am nominating Gina Neary (DSP-Manager) for the Professional of the Year for her devotion and commitment to the people she supports at Friendship, Inc.
Gina has been employed by Friendship, Inc for the last 6 years. Gina shows kindness, respect, and humanity on a daily basis to all the people she supports at Friendship. Gina has formed strong bonds with the people she supports and their families within the last 6 years. Many employees look to Gina for mentorship and leadership within the company on a daily basis because of her creative abilities and ideas. If Gina has an idea or solution to an issue, she will use her creative abilities and head strong personality to ensure it is followed up on until completion.
Most recently, a person she supports was diagnosed with cancer for the 3rd time. Knowing this person well and understanding his dreams, Gina was determined to make one big dream come true for this person before his treatment began. Gina, with the help of other Friendship employees were able to raise enough money in roughly 4 days to send this person to Disney World in Florida for a week-long vacation. Gina orchestrated fundraising, newspaper and radio interviews, and word of mouth donations to raise the money needed. He was able to fly first class, eat at the best restaurants, and meet all the superhero’s he has admired his entire life. This is a big example of the small gestures of compassion Gina shows every day through her work with the people she supports.
Gina goes out of her way to ensure the people she supports are living happily and to their fullest potential. This includes working long hours and completing job duties that are outside of her job description. Gina knows the people she supports well, inside and out. She digs deep into their lives to assist them in having everything they would need on a daily basis, as well as working towards their long term goals.
Please consider Gina Neary for the Professional of the Year. In my years of employment I have worked with Gina as my supervisor, mentor, and most recently colleague. She is one of the amazing people that agencies like Friendship, Inc are lucky to have. She truly cares about the people she supports, regardless of their abilities. Gina goes above and beyond in all aspects of her job; a prime example for others working with people with disabilities.
Tricia Larson
