Advocacy to present awards at city council meeting

The Madison City Disability Advocacy Board (MCDAB) has awarded its annual MCDAB Awards for 2011.

The awards will be presented at the Madison City Council meeting Monday, June 13 at 6 p.m.

The MCDAB awards in three categories: faith, personal service, and inspiration.

MCDAB Awards are given to groups or citizens who exemplify outstanding service or contributions to Madison citizens with disabilities. The contribution or service must be performed between May 2010 and May 2011.

The MCDAB Faith Award is given to a religious organization that serves those with disabilities.

Trinity Baptist Church was nominated by Jody Bowhay for its support of the Daylife program and Koinonia Saturdays, both held at Trinity. Daylife is a day program for young adults with disabilities.  It has met at Trinity since July 2009. Koinonia Saturdays is a bible study for adults with disabilities and meets the first Saturday of most months.  It has been running since April 2010.

The MCDAB Personal Service Award goes to an individual who serves Madison citizens with disabilities.  Ronda Gilmore is the recipient this year. Gilmore organizes and runs a Girl Scout Troop just for girls with special needs and has since 2009. The troop meets at Asbury United Methodist Church. Gilmore also provides volunteer leadership with Xtreme Cheerleading, a program for participants with special needs.

The Inspiration Award goes to Madison citizen with a disability who is a role model for others. Charisse Hogan is this year’s recipient. She is a BJHS Special Olympic cheerleader and a terrific student.  She was nominated by one of her teachers, Tim Mayer.

The winners:

MCDAB Faith Award – Trinity Baptist Church

MCDAB Personal Service Award – Ronda Gilmore

MCDAB Inspiration Award – Charisse Hogan