Metro Disability Coalition recognizes those who go above and beyond to help others

Posted on by

(Louisville, KY) The Metro Disability Coalition will hold our 23rd Annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards on Friday, May 9th from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Rudd Heart & Lung Center located at 201 Abraham Flexner Way.

Prior to the ceremony, there will be a reception for special honorees, dignitaries and other special guests participating in the program. This year, Shannon Davis aka ‘Coach by Shine’ will serve as this year’s master of ceremony.   

We are excited to announce that this year’s guest speaker is Dr. Sherry Babbage Melisizwe.  The Louisville community knows her as Dr. Babbage and her main practice which was established in West Louisville.Educating the community on dental health and treatment. She graduated from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. Becoming a D.M.D in 1981. Making her one of the few African American female dentists in the Commonwealth of Kentucky at that time. Receiving countless awards for work in her profession and service to the community.  Dr. Babbage says the work she does is her ministry. We chose Dr. Babbage because she demonstrates professionalism and love for her community each and every day. 

The evening is a celebration for those who take time out of their day to assist others. Its concern for others is what makes the following special.  They take pride in giving back and they care about the well-being of all people in the community.  The following good neighbors and unsung heroes in their various fields range from service workers, educators to youth who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist those in need. Which includes many from Jefferson County Public Schools, (JCPS). We are excited to announce this year’s honorees.     

Here is a list of this year’s Breaking Barriers Spotlight Award honorees:

Marcellus Mayes

Lifetime Achievement Award

Don’Quel Ja’kur Andrews

Merit Award

Onyx Sands

Spotlight Award

Simmons College of Kentucky Men’s Basketball team

Community Service Award

Dominique Williams, TARC driver

Marvin Hawkins, TARC driver

James Allen, TARC driver

Kevin Richardson, Fitness & Wellness trainer

Kiara James, Pushing Forward

Certificate of Merit

Special thanks to Grace Smith and family.

Grace Smith

Rachel Smith

Marti Davis

Sharon McDade

Breaking Barriers Spotlight Student & Teacher Awards recipients: 

Teachers & Staff

Elementary School

Robyn Ballinger,

Chenoweth Elementary

Middle School

Shawana Brown,

Knight Middle School

High School

Vanessa “Lexie” Kemper,

Newcomer Academy & several other schools

Students

Elementary School

Micah Patterson, Schaffner Traditional Elementary

Clinney Tyler, Hawthorne Elementary

Middle School

Stuthi Dev, Noe Middle School

Levi Logsdon, Knight Middle School

High School

Bryan Lasley, Waggener High School

Brayden Tiernan, Fairdale High School

METRO DISABILITY COALITION RECOGNIZES THOSE WHO GO ABOVE & BEYOND TO HELP OTHERS

Posted on by

(Louisville, KY) The Metro Disability Coalition will hold our 23rd Annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards on Friday, May 9th from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Rudd Heart & Lung Center located at 201 Abraham Flexner Way.

Prior to the ceremony, there will be a reception for special honorees, dignitaries and other special guests participating in the program. This year, Shannon Davis aka ‘Coach by Shine’ will serve as this year’s master of ceremony.   

We are excited to announce that this year’s guest speaker is Dr. Sherry Babbage Melisizwe.  The Louisville community knows her as Dr. Babbage and her main practice which was established in West Louisville.Educating the community on dental health and treatment. She graduated from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. Becoming a D.M.D in 1981. Making her one of the few African American female dentists in the Commonwealth of Kentucky at that time. Receiving countless awards for work in her profession and service to the community.  Dr. Babbage says the work she does is her ministry. We chose Dr. Babbage because she demonstrates professionalism and love for her community each and every day. 

The evening is a celebration for those who take time out of their day to assist others. Its concern for others is what makes the following special.  They take pride in giving back and they care about the well-being of all people in the community.  The following good neighbors and unsung heroes in their various fields range from service workers, educators to youth who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist those in need. Which includes many from Jefferson County Public Schools, (JCPS). We are excited to announce this year’s honorees.     

Here is a list of this year’s Breaking Barriers Spotlight Award honorees:

Marcellus Mayes

Lifetime Achievement Award

Don’Quel Ja’kur Andrews

Merit Award

Onyx Sands

Spotlight Award

Simmons College of Kentucky Men’s Basketball team

Community Service Award

Dominique Williams, TARC driver

Marvin Hawkins, TARC driver

James Allen, TARC driver

Kevin Richardson, Fitness & Wellness trainer

Kiara James, Pushing Forward

Certificate of Merit

Special thanks to Grace Smith and family.

Grace Smith

Rachel Smith

Marti Davis

Sharon McDade

Breaking Barriers Spotlight Student & Teacher Awards recipients: 

Teachers & Staff

Elementary School

Robyn Ballinger,

Chenoweth Elementary

Middle School

Shawana Brown,

Knight Middle School

High School

Vanessa “Lexie” Kemper,

Newcomer Academy & several other schools

Students

Elementary School

Micah Patterson, Schaffner Traditional Elementary

Clinney Tyler, Hawthorne Elementary

Middle School

Stuthi Dev, Noe Middle School

Levi Logsdon, Knight Middle School

High School

Bryan Lasley, Waggener High School

Brayden Tiernan, Fairdale High School

Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards Ceremony Returns Post Pandemic

Posted on by

The in-person ceremony will celebrate those who assist to make the equable for people with disabilities

(Louisville, KY) The Metro Disability Coalition cordially invites you to attend their 21st Annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards on Friday, March 31st from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at the Rudd Heart & Lung Center located at 201 Abraham Flexner Way.

There will be a reception prior to the ceremony for special guests, honorees and those participating in the program. We will also honor our 2020 recipients. Due to the pandemic, we were unable to celebrate them previously. 

This year’s guest speaker is April Bridgeman Morrow.  Currently, she is a substitute teacher for Jefferson County Public Schools as she completes her doctorate degree in K-12 leadership.  The former ‘Outstanding Teacher of the Year’ by the East Chicago, Indiana Public School District. Morrow is a graduate of Valparaiso University. Her career spans over 30 years in education. She even founded a private Christian school with grades K though 6th in Merrillville, Indiana that quickly grew to 12th grade.  As a music teacher, Morrow’s students have performed all over the U.S. from contests in the Midwest to Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida.   

The awards ceremony is for the community’s unsung heroes and community leaders in their various fields from service workers, educators to youth who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist those in need. We are excited to announce this year’s honorees several of which are from Jefferson County Public Schools, (JCPS).    

Here is a list of this year’s Breaking Barriers Spotlight Award honorees:

 Leslie Jones

Lifetime Achievement Award

Theo Hamilton

Merit Award

Mary Payton

George McEwing

Teri Kiper

Cathy Spalding

Joann Orr

Certificate of Merit

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity

Community Honoree

Breaking Barriers Spotlight Student & Teacher Awards recipients: 

Students

Jayden Hernandez Mendoza

Hazelwood Elementary

De’Von Jones

Kammerer Middle School

Michael Washington-Cox

Waggener High School

Teachers

Deedra Njuguna

Special Education Teacher

Binet School (Elementary)

Julie Fox

MSD Teacher

Lassiter Middle School

Tara Conner

MSD Teacher

Doss High School

Please post announce and/or post our event on your media platforms. If you would like to setup an interview, please contact VIPP Communications at booking@vippcommunications.com.

The VIPP Report: Metro Disability Coalition will hold a news conference about their treatment when it comes to TARC 3

Posted on by

The Metro Disability Coalition (MDC) is calling a press conference for Tuesday, September 8, 2020, at 3:00 pm to call attention to the horrible situation facing disabled bus riders, and drivers, on Transit Authority of River City (TARC 3) paratransit.   It will be held in front of TARC headquarters,  1000 West Broadway.

Passengers are not adequately distanced, in a time of coronavirus, as suggested by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), our state and city governments.  Not all drivers wear masks, as required.

 “Reasonable accommodation” means safe public ridership for disabled riders, drivers, and other personnel.

 We have made countless attempts to get TARC to correct this, to no avail.  This press conference will include representatives of the disabled, organized labor and civil rights groups.

 These issues are of grave concern to the disabled community—they are life and death matters.

 TARC 3 needs to provide the disabled community assurances that drivers will be masked and that there will be social distancing—particularly important for the visually and cognitively disabled.

For more information, call Marcellus Mayes, president of MDC:  778-8922 or Antonio Wickliffe:  ajwickliffe@aol.com .

The VIPP Report: Metro Disability Coalition announces their Breaking Barriers Spotlight Award honorees

Posted on by

dshull

       METRO DISABILITY COALITION THANK THEIR UNSUNG HEROES AT AN AWARDS CEREMONY

(Louisville, KY) The Metro Disability Coalition invites you to attend their 21st Annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards on Monday, March 16th from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at the Rudd Heart & Lung Center located at 201 Abraham Flexner Way.

There will be a reception prior to the ceremony for special guests, honorees and those participating in the program.   This year’s theme is Working Toward a Fully Accessible Community for All Disabled Individuals.

MDCThe awards ceremony will honor community unsung heroes and community leaders in their various fields from service workers, educators to youth who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist those in need. Several Jefferson County Public Schools, (JCPS) students and faculty will be honored.

Here’s a list of this year’s Breaking Barriers Spotlight Award honorees:

Ms. BJ Levis

Lifetime Achievement Award

Nina Mosely

Merit Award

Dia Erpenbeck

Cedric Jones

Jenny Tyree

Sonora Crosby

Jodi Grajek

Cheikh El Moustapha

Certificate of Merit

United Auto Workers Ramp Building Program

Community Honoree

Breaking Barriers Spotlight Student & Teacher Awards recipients: 

Students

Ava Baker

Goldsmith Elementary

Makenzie Harman

Georia Chaffie Tapp

Gabrielle Runyon

duPont Manual High School

Teachers

Pamela St. John

ECE Teacher

Lincoln Elementary

Performing Arts School

Eileen Foote

Implementation Coach

Crosby Middle School

Christina Delk

Itinerant Teacher

Marion C. Moore High School

Our guest speaker will be Rev. Corrie Shull, Senior Pastor of the Burnett Avenue Baptist Church.  He also serves as the sixth district board member for the Jefferson County Public Schools Board of Education.  Under his leadership at Burnett Ave, the congregation has experienced tremendous growth through the addition of hundreds of families into church membership, creating relevant ministries, implementing twenty-first century technology and embracing new and dynamic ways of engaging people from all walks of life for the purpose of life transformation.

A proponent of education, Rev. Shull holds degrees from Fisk University and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and works as an adjunct professor for Louisville area colleges.

Some our special guests will be Michelle Dillard, Assistant Superintendent, JCPS; Metro Council President David James and Metro Councilwoman Barbara Sexton-Smith.

We would like to thank the following that support the Metro Disability Coalition not only for this event but support us throughout the year: University of Louisville Health, Bates Memorial Disability Ministry.

Bridgehaven, The Center for Accessible Living, Council on Developmental Disabilities, Dayspring, God’s Gatekeepers St Stephen Youth Ushers, Independence Seekers, Kentuckians for Single Payer Healthcare. KIPDA, Louisville Metro Human Relations Commission. NAMI, Paralyzed Veterans of America and Superior Van & Mobility.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Marcellus Mayes by calling 502-774-8993 or Ronel McCombs at 502-836-1245

If you would like to setup an interview with a member of the Metro Disability Coalition for the 21st Annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards held on Monday, March 16th at the Rudd Heart & Lung Center please contact VIPP Communications at  info@vippcommunications.com.

###

The Metro Disability Coalition is an organization of individuals and agencies in Louisville, KY who advocate for those with disabilities to have a better quality of life.  The 501c (3) organization was established in 2001.

Metro Disability Coalition Board Members

Marcellus Mayes, Bobbie James, Cheryl Medley, Ronel McCombs, Chuck Rogers, Beverly Peterson, Elaine Weisbard, Ira Grupper, Ronnie White, Teddy Young, Antonio Wickliffe, Manetta Lemkheitir, Charlie Sims, Grace Smith, Bill Wright and Goldina Lofton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The VIPP Report: Metro Disability Coalition celebrates 20 years in Louisville

Posted on by

MDC

By honoring those who “Break Barriers” in their annual celebration

(Louisville, KY) The Metro Disability Coalition invites you to attend their 20th Annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards on Monday, March 18th from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at the Our Lady of Sorrows, 770 Eastern Parkway in the bingo hall facility.  There will be a reception prior to the ceremony at 5:00 pm for special guests, honorees and those participating in the program.

The awards ceremony will honor community unsung heroes and community leaders in their various fields from service workers, educators to youth who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist those in need. Several Jefferson County Public Schools, (JCPS) students and faculty will be honored.

Here’s a list of our recipients: 

Elementary Student: D’Angelina McMillan – Engelhard Elementary

Elementary Educator: Mary “Katie” Telek – Heuser Hearing & Language Academy

Middle School Student: Amosi Bilombele – Newcomer Academy

Middle School Educator: Krista Riley – Western Middle School for the Arts

High School Student: Ella Robinson – duPont Manual High School

High School Educator: Lauren Niemann – Fern Creek High School

Merit Award – Donna Fox

Our Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will be Ms. Grace Smith.

The Metro Disability Coalition is an organization of individuals and agencies in Louisville, KY who advocate for those with disabilities to have a better quality of life.  The 501c (3) organization was established in 2001.

Our guest speaker this year is Ms. Pamala Bryant.   In 2007, while attending New York University, Pamala was diagnosed with SLE-Systemic Lupus Erythematosis.  The illness caused her body to attack her lungs, joints and heart.  In spite of multiple procedures and surgeries, she was able to graduate.  Currently, she works in higher education.  She loves to help students successfully by admitted into college.  When she’s not working or acting in local plays she’s volunteering with various organizations in the community.  Bryant says she’s excited for the opportunity to encourage others living with a disability.”

In 2018, former University of Louisville football standout and entrepreneur Herb Henry was the keynote speaker and in 2017, Marques Maybin, ESPN Louisville radio show host and former University of Louisville basketball star inspired the guests.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Marcellus Mayes by calling 502-774-8993 or Ronel McCombs at 502-836-1245

If you would like to setup an interview with a member of the Metro Disability Coalition for the 20th Annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards held on Monday, March 18th at the Our Lady of Sorrows-Bingo Hall please contact VIPP Communications at 502-582-7716 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com.

###

 

The VIPP Report: Metro Disability Coalition celebrate 20 years in Louisville

Posted on by

MDC

By honoring those who “Break Barriers” in their annual celebration

 (Louisville, KY) The Metro Disability Coalition invites you to attend their 20th Annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards on Monday, March 18th from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at the Our Lady of Sorrows, 770 Eastern Parkway in the bingo hall facility.  There will be a reception prior to the ceremony at 5:30 pm for special guests, honorees and those participating in the program.

The awards ceremony will honor community unsung heroes and community leaders in their various fields from service workers, educators to youth who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist those in need. Several Jefferson County Public Schools, (JCPS) students and faculty will be honored.

A Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will also be announced during the program.

The Metro Disability Coalition is an organization of individuals and agencies in Louisville, KY who advocate for those with disabilities to have a better quality of life.  The 501c (3) organization was established in 2001.

In 2018, former University of Louisville football standout and entrepreneur Herb Henry was the keynote speaker and in 2017, Marques Maybin, ESPN Louisville radio show host and former University of Louisville basketball star inspired the guests.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Marcellus Mayes by calling 502-774-8993 or Ronel McCombs at 502-836-1245

If you would like to setup an interview with a member of the Metro Disability Coalition for the 20th Annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards held on Monday, March 18th at the Our Lady of Sorrows-Bingo Hall please contact VIPP Communications at  info at vippcommunications dot com.

 

vippnewlogoVIPP Communications is a full-service public relations, event management and production headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand.  Our clientele range from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes.  Contact one of our team members to see if we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com. http://vippcommunications.com/

 

The VIPP Report: Metro Disability Coalition continues to “Break Barriers” in the community

Posted on by

MDC

In their annual celebration they will recognize supporters & “shine” a spotlight on some unsung heroes

 (Louisville, KY) The Metro Disability Coalition invites you to attend their 18th Annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards on Monday, March 19th from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at the Rudd Heart and Lung Center, 201 Abraham Flexner Way. There will be a reception at 5:00 pm to meet honorees and special guests.

The awards ceremony will honor community service workers, educators and youth who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist those in need. The Jefferson County Public Schools, (JCPS) student and teacher award winners are:

Elementary School Student: Paul Clark       Elementary School Teacher: Ms. Deanna LeFan

Middle School Student: Zackary Estridge    Middle School Teacher: Ms. Joan Allen

High School Student: Katherine Teston        High School Teacher: Ms. Melanie Guillerman

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is Billy Wright and the Merit Award will be presented to Josiah Johnson.

There will also be a presentation for Certificate of Merit and Image Award Certificate winners.

The Certificate of Merit winners are:  Linda Irvin, Ed Price, Michael White

Image Award Certificate winners are:  Eric French, Vitalis Lanshima, Tracey Thompson

This year’s keynote speaker will be Herb Henry.  The owner of Competitors Edge Enterprise, a sports apparel company and current member of the Louisville Spokes & Spires, a local wheelchair basketball team.  The former University of Louisville football player was shot twice in 1992 at the age of 18 at a party. One bullet hit near his lung and the other near his spine, paralyzing Henry.  It took Henry many years to adjust and find his next calling.  He put the football down and picked up a basketball and started to play wheelchair basketball.  Motivating himself to move forward while inspiring many who still wanted to compete and had that competitor’s edge.

The Metro Disability Coalition is an organization of individuals and agencies in Louisville, KY who advocate for those with disabilities to have a better quality of life.  The 501c (3) organization was established in 2001.

In 2017, at the 17th annual awards ceremony Marques Maybin, ESPN Louisville radio show host and former University of Louisville basketball star was their keynote speaker.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Marcellus Mayes by calling 502-774-8993 or Ronel McCombs at 502-836-1245

If you would like to setup an interview with a member of the Metro Disability Coalition and/or our keynote speaker for the 18th Annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards held on Monday, March 19th at the Rudd Heart and Lung Center please contact VIPP Communications at 502-582-7716 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com.

The VIPP Report: Bringing awareness and the services of the Metro Disability Coalition

Posted on by

MDC

METRO DISABILITY COALITION CONTINUES TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS TO ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

The Metro Disability Coalition works tirelessly in the community to help move toward a fully accessible community for all disabled individuals.

From developing confidence to independence the Metro disability Coalition is an organization of individuals and agencies in Louisville, KY who assist those with disabilities a better quality of life.  The 501c(3) organization was established in 2001.

In March of each year, we host the Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards.  The ceremony gives us a chance to say thank you people for their commitment, recognize educators, healthcare, service, community and youth organizations for their desire to enrich the lives of gifted and talented students.

In 2017, at the 17th annual awards ceremony former University of Louisville basketball star Marques Maybin was our keynote speaker.  He played for the Cardinals from 1997 to 2001.  In 2003, he was in a motorcycle accident in his hometown of Clarksville, TN.  Maybin was paralyzed from the waist down.  He passionately spoke to the audience about his setback but also how he was able to achieve and get back to his day to day routine while adjusting to being in a wheelchair. Now, he’s one of the top on-air radio personalities for ESPN Louisville.

If you would like to support Metro Disability Coalition and/or be a sponsor for the 18th Annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards please contact Marcellus Mayes by calling 502-774-8993 or Ronel McCombs at 502-836-1245.

If you would like to setup an interview, call VIPP Communications at 502-582-7716 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com.

 

 

The VIPP Report: Former U of L Cardinal Marques Maybin will talk about overcoming barriers at Metro Disabilities awards program

Posted on by

 

MarqueMaybincourtesyUofL

BREAKING BARRIERS SPOTLIGHT AWARDS WILL RECOGNIZE LEADERS IN THE COMMUNITY THAT ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

The Metro Disability Coalition works tirelessly in the community to assist people with disabilities a better quality of life.  On Monday, March 20th from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Rudd Heart and Lung Center, 201 Abraham Flexner Way it’s the 17th annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards.  The awards ceremony will honor community service workers, educators and youth who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist those in need.

Refreshments will be served prior to the program so guests can network and obtain information from various organizations setup around the room.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Marques Maybin.  Marques is a successful radio sports personality in Louisville.  Prior to having his own show, he played with the University of Louisville’s men’s basketball team as their starting guard from 1997 to 2001.  In 2003, he was in a motorcycle accident in his hometown of Clarksville, TN that paralyzed him from the waist down.

Marcellus Mayes, President for Metro Disability Coalition says “It’s hard to believe we are in the 17th year of this celebration. The event is so special because we get the opportunity to recognize individuals for overcoming obstacles that they refused to call a disability. We will also get to salute and say thank you to those that helped with their independency.”

The Metro Disability Coalition is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization comprised of individuals and agencies in the Louisville Metro area.  The purpose is to give a better quality of life for people with disabilities.

For additional information please contact Marcellus Mayes at 502-774-8993.  If you would like to setup an interview, please call Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.

 

 

 

 

The VIPP Report: Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards

Posted on by

 

CLIENTproject

RECOGNIZING THOSE WITH “ABILITIES” RATHER THAN DISABILITIES

The Metro Disability Coalition will honor community service workers, educators and youth in their 16th annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards on Monday, March 21st from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Rudd Heart and Lung Center, 201 Abraham Flexner Way.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Allene White Gold.  She’s currently the Director of the Jefferson County Public Schools Volunteer Talent Center.

Marcellus Mayes, President for Metro Disability Coalition says “This event is near and dear to my heart because it’s so important to recognize individuals for their unique abilities despite their challenges.  This will be the evening where we salute unsung heroes in our community diversity service programs.”

The Metro Disability Coalition is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization comprised of individuals and agencies in the Louisville Metro area.  The purpose is to give a better quality of life for people with disabilities.

This year’s Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards was made possible because of the following sponsors; Kentucky One, Metro United Way, the Center for Accessible Living and Metro Councilwoman Jessica Green.

For additional information please contact Marcellus Mayes at 502-774-8993.