BROOKINGS Brookings Health System ambulance service and the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains are being recognized by the Brookings Disability Awareness Committee.
The BHS ambulance service has been selected for this years A.B.L.E. Award, while the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains has been chosen for the Empower Award.
The awards will be presented by Mayor Oepke Ope Niemeyer and the BDAC at the annual Mayors Awards and Holiday Celebration event on Dec. 4 at the Dacotah Bank Center, 824 32ndAve. The event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. with the awards program starting at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
A.B.L.E. Award: BHS Ambulance Service
The A.B.L.E. Award stands for ability, belief, leadership, and equality to achieve access for all. It is designed to recognize the outstanding commitment of a business or public entity in fulfilling the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Brookings Ambulance service has demonstrated a profound dedication to enhancing accessibility for all residents of Brookings, particularly those with disabilities. Its delivery of lift assists at no cost is a significant service that ensures individuals with mobility challenges can remain safely in their homes. This not only fosters independence but also relieves the burden on families and caregivers, allowing individuals to live with dignity in a familiar environment.
The ambulance services mission aligns with the goals of the ADA, which aims to ensure people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. By offering services that support independent living, BHS Ambulance Service empowers individuals to stay in their homes longer, avoiding unnecessary institutionalization and maintaining a higher quality of life.
The BHS ambulance service has set a high standard for leadership within the community. Its proactive approach to addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities showcases its commitment to the well-being of all residents.
By providing essential services that promote equality and inclusion, the BHS Ambulance Service embodies the principles of the A.B.L.E. Award. Its work ensures that all members of the community, regardless of physical ability, have access to critical services that allow them to live full and independent lives. This dedication to inclusivity is at the heart of what the A.B.L.E. Award seeks to recognize.
Empower Award: Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains
The Empower Award is designed to recognize the outstanding commitment of a business or public entity in fulfilling the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The award is designed to recognize the outstanding commitment of a business in employing and empowering disabled individuals.
The Boys & Girls Club demonstrates commitment to the Brookings community by connecting youth to service and volunteer opportunities and developing a diverse workforce. Over the years, the club has hired individuals with disabilities and committed to their success. The club works closely with employment consultants and collaborates with organizations like the South Dakota Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired, Vocational Rehabilitation and Advance/Career Advantage. These partnerships help create opportunities staff to learn and grow.
The club also helps members become active members of the community and works to involve youth in service and volunteer projects to help shape them into caring, responsible citizens.
The Boys & Girls Club of Brookings opened in 2003 to 100 club members. In 2023, the club served more than 1,200 area youth in 2023. Students of all abilities are welcome at the club.
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