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“A servant leader” and his “grassroots … forward-thinking organization” received the 2007 Ben & Adith Miller Community Service Tribute at a banquet in their honor March 11.
Dennis Theede and Home and Community Options Inc. were recognized for their “fantastic philosophy of life,” according to Hugh Miller, whose parents originally established the award. He recognized “the entire (HCO) team” for their efforts.
“Ben and Adith … would thank you for all that you’ve done and, as Dad would say, all that you’ll be doing in the future,” Miller said.
Theede, HCO executive director, was “honored” and “humbled” by the award. He recognized the “team effort” it takes to deliver on their mission, which is to provide support and residential services to people with developmental disabilities to enable them to live as full members of their communities.
“The most important value we believe in,” Theede told the 130 audience members, “is respect. The respect we have for one another is so important to our work.”
It’s important for the families served by HCO as well.
Liz McGrory’s son, Charlie, receives HCO services. She cited its vision statement in her comments: “The vision of Home and Community Options Inc. is for all individuals to have opportunities to enjoy life, strive to reach their full potential and be accepted members of the community.”
She explained, “The great confidence that vision statement gives to the mother of a special needs individual” and emphasized that HCO “has gained not only my respect, but my trust.”
Currently, HCO’s 340 employees serve the needs of 257 clients, providing residential, community living and family support services.
As part of the tribute honor, Hugh and Vera Miller, along with the RTP Co., gave $25,000 to the Ben & Adith Miller Patient Care Fund in Theede’s and HCO’s name.
According to Ken Mogren, Winona Health Foundation chairman, it is the 19th consecutive year that the Miller family has made this gift to build the Fund’s endowment.
He thanked two generations of the Miller family.
The Ben & Adith Miller Patient Care fund provided more than $500,000 in medical assistance to 201 people in 2007. Since its inception, the fund has helped more than 1,395 people pay more than $2.7 million in health care expenses.
To learn more about the Winona Health Foundation visit winonahealth.org/foundation.
