Ability Beyond is thrilled to announce that two employees have been formally recognized by the New York State Justice Center for their outstanding commitments to disability care!

Gavin Vincent, an Assistant Program Manager at our Chappaqua Day Program, has won the prestigious Code of Conduct Award; and Vivienne Todd, an Assistant Residential Program Manager at one of our group homes, has won the Code of Conduct Certificate.

“We are beyond proud of Gavin and Vivienne for this well-deserved recognition,” said Jane Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Since the Justice Center began recognizing careforce members, this is the first time staff members from one organization have received both the Code of Conduct Award and Certificate.

“Their dedication and empathy speak volumes about the kind of team we foster here,” Davis said. “They are passionate about learning and growing to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.”

Five in 100

The award program is a meaningful way for the Justice Center to recognize careforce members who embody the ethical standards outlined in the Code of Conduct for Custodians of People with Special Needs. All disability care providers in the agency’s jurisdiction are required to sign the document—and some go above and beyond.

“The Justice Center’s mission to protect the safety and dignity of individuals with special needs would not be possible without a dedicated, compassionate workforce,” said Justice Center Acting Executive Director Maria Lisi-Murray.

This year, the Justice Center received more than 100 nominations for the Code of Conduct Award—and Gavin was one of just five winners, selected by a council of service providers, past and present service recipients, their family members, and disability advocates.

“Turnover rates for jobs in the health and human services space are exceedingly high,” Maria said. “This reality makes it difficult to maintain a committed team that’s trained on proper care standards. To see someone like Gavin who has been with Ability Beyond for more than seven years and has invested in his professional growth is an employment model worth emulating. Thank you, Gavin!”

Invaluable Experience

Combined, Gavin and Vivienne represent more than 30 years of service at Ability Beyond, and they share a commitment to continuous learning and leadership. Both were nominated for the Justice Center awards program by their respective supervisors.

“Gavin is known for his incredibly calm and patient demeanor,” said Tasha Bembridge, Day and Work Program Manager. “This same demeanor allows him to provide a nurturing classroom for individuals, as well as a supportive environment for the staff working with him.”

Since joining our team, Gavin has grown from an entry-level direct care staff to a seasoned assistant manager who serves on two subcommittees for the Breathe Equality employee resource group. He has also completed our Pathways to Excellence tracks for Direct Support Professionals and Behavioral Support.

Vivienne has been with Ability Beyond for 24 years, and she is a cornerstone of the residential program in New York. She has also completed extensive training and education, including multiple Pathways to Excellence tracks. She is currently enrolled in a course to expand her clinical care and wellness skills.

“Vivienne has consistently demonstrated a passion for supporting individuals receiving services,” said Residential Program Manager Lamin Conteh. “She is always going above and beyond her job description to ensure their needs are met.”

Care in Action

When Gavin isn’t managing the classroom or taking participants to community events like Miracle League baseball, he’s a DJ. He said this part-time job has something in common with his work at Ability Beyond: “I just want to make sure everyone is safe and having a good time.”

That’s why Gavin promotes positive social connections among Day Program participants. For example, when he noticed that some group members were seeking camaraderie, he helped them organize a discussion club around their shared interest in sports, movies, and travel.

“We as staff, we come in and we’ll have a conversation with our peers—like a weekend review,” Gavin said. “It’s the same thing our Day Program participants want, but they may have a harder time expressing themselves in that manner. It’s rewarding to help them.”

Vivienne also finds reward in recognizing the needs of her residents.

On one occasion, Vivienne stepped up to accompany an individual with a passion for collecting recyclable plastic bottles to a nearby redemption center. Now the man has the confidence to visit the grocery store independently and cash in his bottles—sometimes earning up to $100 that he can spend on his needs and interests.

On another occasion, Vivienne was quick to recognize and respond to an emotional trigger for a vulnerable individual, helping to redirect that person away from a volatile situation.

“That’s an everyday part of the work,” Vivienne said. “The most important thing is, you have to know the people you care for. If you know them, you can help them react in a better way, and keep them safe.”