North Bowl Lanes - presented by Traci Cabral

“We are so pleased to present the Community Advocate Award to North Bowl Lanes!

People generally think of bowling as a fun activity and a great opportunity to practice social skills but you may not realize how beneficial it is for our program participants. Bowling helps develop gross motor skills, sensory motor skills, balance, hand eye coordination and overall health and wellness. Our bowling outing also provides an opportunity to work on budgeting and money management.

AEI employees and individuals supported have formed a strong relationship with North Bowl Lanes. Each time we are greeted by Kayla. She enjoys conversing with our folks and they enjoy conversing with her. AEI Staff and North Bowl staff have a great working relationship and systems which encourage a less stimulating transition into the bowling alley.

Participants pay for their bowling and staff provide a list of the people that are bowling with their shoe sizes. Kayla calls names out and hands out their shoes.

This has helped form a positive social experience and a bond of trust as North Bowl Staff have learned our individuals’ names, help with the financial transaction and hand them their shoes directly.

North Bowl is sensitive to our individuals’ needs. They are also extremely accommodating when we need anything extra.

Kayla has even called us in advance and informed us if there is a league there or if they are at full capacity. This allows our folks to make choices for themselves about entering a more stimulating environment or planning a different activity. Around the holidays, a donor at the bowling alley gives our individuals free bowling. They choose to remain anonymous.

Bowling is a very popular activity and North Bowl Lanes Staff go above and beyond to make each visit successful and fun.”

V-Tron - presented by John Raposa

“AEI was introduced to the folks at V-Tron by our Board member, Deb Kirby 3 years ago. V-Tron quickly became an internship site for high school students in our Pre-ETS program. To date they have had three interns, two successful and one unsuccessful. However, they don't consider it a failure, it's all a learning process and one that they feel is important.

The V-Tron staff have said multiple times that this collaboration equally is important to them as an organization as it is to the clients we serve. Kevin has managed all of our interns and provided extensive training, support, encouragement and wants nothing but opportunities given to them.

Kevin works closely with Nichole and invests himself in each client individually and wants the absolute best for them. Two interns have been hired by V-Tron for full time positions! One remains employed with the company and has had promotions.

V-Tron exemplifies a strong community partnership, one we plan to keep for many years to come.”