FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Cassie Smith
662-562-0100, ext. 1-231
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
3297 Highway 51 South
P.O. Box 97, Senatobia, MS 38668


Baddour recognizes two volunteers


Senatobia, Miss., January 15, 2010 - Recognizing two outstanding people who have worked hard to help further its ministry during 2009, The Baddour Center presented the Volunteer of the Year and the Triple T Award during annual Family Day Festivities on December 12th.

  “It’s an honor for us to be able to recognize the generosity of people in the community who go out of their way to make a difference in the lives of residents of The Baddour Center,” said Parke Pepper, Executive Director for The Center. “The two gentlemen recognized this year have done just that.”

             Perry Poe of Senatobia, Miss. was named the 2009 Volunteer of the Year for his contribution to The Center’s Special Olympics Program, making it an enriching time for both residents and staff. He has traveled to the Special Olympics State Games in Nashville, taking his own transportation, as well as to numerous local golf trips with residents.

 Poe also participates in intramural sports on The Center’s campus and established a relationship with a vendor who was willing to donate the dirt for The Baddour Center’s softball field.

 Dr. Phillip George of Memphis, Tenn. is the 2009 Triple T Award winner for his dedication to establish The Baddour Center’s Education & Research Division. The Triple T Award is presented to the person who has generously donated their time, talents and treasure in support of the ministry of The Baddour Center.

 While serving eight years as a member of the Board of Trustees, George spearheaded the Education & Research Committee by helping form a business plan, working closely with other staff and volunteers, holding the first meeting and eventually helping bring interns to campus. Now recognized as its own division with a full-time dedicated employee, the Education & Research Division focuses on internal and external training and research, three areas that represent George’s passion and compassion for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

 George has also served as chairman of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) since its inception. The IRB is charged primarily with overseeing the legal and ethical issues related to research. This is particularly when your research subjects are members of a vulnerable population such as The Baddour Center’s.

 “It’s difficult to put into words all these two men have done,” said Pepper. “From boosting an individual resident’s self-esteem through athletics to researching how to improve the quality of life for persons with intellectual disabilities both at The Baddour Center and across the nation, we greatly appreciate their commitment and willingness to share their time with The Center.

 “Volunteers like Perry and Dr. George not only impact residents and staff at The Baddour Center, but they also leave a legacy of service that others in the community can emulate,” concluded Pepper. “Both of these gentlemen, each in his own unique way, have passionately and sacrificially given of themselves to The Center.  Involvement of this type is critical to Baddour’s success – past, present, and future.”

 The Baddour Center is dedicated to providing a model residential community for adults with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities in an environment that promotes maximum growth intellectually, spiritually, physically, socially, emotionally, and vocationally. The Center is located at 3297 Highway 51 South in Senatobia, Miss.

 To become a volunteer or find out more information about The Baddour Center, contact Cassie Smith by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 662.562.0100, ext. 1-231.

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