Celebrating Excellence: APSI's Annual Awards Program

Each year, Advocacy & Protective Services, Inc. (APSI) takes time to honor the remarkable individuals who make a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities. Through five distinct awards, APSI recognizes staff members, clients, and community advocates who demonstrate exceptional dedication, growth, and advocacy efforts. These awards are presented annually at the June All-Staff and Awards Recognition event, celebrating the achievements and contributions that advance APSI's mission.

All award recipients receive an individual award inscribed with their name and the honor of having their name added to a permanent plaque in the APSI Board Room that lists all past winners.

Looking for past recipients? Find them here: Get Involved

The TJ Jackson Forever Friends Award

Created in 2021 and named in loving memory of former APSI client Takeisha "TJ" Jackson, this award holds special significance within the organization. TJ was served by APSI for nine years and achieved such remarkable growth and independence that her guardianship was successfully terminated in 2018, with APSI's support. Tragically, TJ passed away in 2020 from bone cancer, but her legacy lives on through this meaningful award.

The TJ Jackson Forever Friends Award is presented to current or recent APSI clients who demonstrate significant personal growth and increased independence. What makes this award particularly impactful is its practical support component: recipients receive up to $1,500 to help them take the next steps toward greater independence.

The award fund was established through the generous support of Kathy Phillips, CEO and Executive Director at Turning Point Residential, with ongoing contributions from APSI staff. Community members can also contribute by visiting apsiohio.org/donate and selecting the TJ Jackson Forever Friends Award under "Apply My Donation To."

The Ron Kozlowski Advocacy Award

Established in 2010 to honor former APSI Director Ron Kozlowski's lifetime of advocacy, this award recognizes individuals or entities outside of APSI who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advocating for people with developmental disabilities.

The award criteria focus on lifetime achievement in advocacy and long-term connection with advocacy efforts within the developmental disabilities service system. This recognition extends APSI's appreciation beyond our staff to acknowledge the broader community of advocates who work tirelessly on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities.

The Russell Kinnebrew Advocacy Award

This award honors APSI program staff members who demonstrate exemplary advocacy efforts on behalf of the individuals they serve.

Russell Kinnebrew began his journey with APSI from the very beginning, starting as one of two representatives for APSI clients throughout the state. In those early days, Russell was responsible for all APSI clients in the Northern half of Ohio. As APSI expanded over the years, he continued to work as a representative for the Northeast Region, eventually advancing to become the Regional Program Director in APSI's Northeast region.

Throughout his 40-year career with APSI, Russell consistently embodied what it meant to be an advocate for others and never ceased to further APSI's mission. His unwavering dedication to serving his clients and his exemplary advocacy efforts led to the creation of this award in his honor.

The Wanda Carroll Impact Award

Created in 2019 and named after APSI Program Manager Wanda Carroll (a dedicated employee with over 31 years of service), this award recognizes support staff members who make significant contributions to APSI's mission. The award acknowledges that while some staff may not provide direct program services, their support roles are essential to the organization's success.

Eligible positions include a wide range of support roles, from administrative positions to program management, requiring at least three years of APSI employment.

The Danielle Vandenbark Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship supports APSI staff members in their educational pursuits, helping to defray tuition and fees for continued learning. The scholarship reflects APSI's commitment to professional development and recognizes that investing in staff education ultimately benefits the individuals APSI serves.

To be eligible, staff members must be employed by APSI for at least one year and provide proof of course registration within the calendar year of the scholarship. The scholarship is paid directly to the educational institution.

A Tradition of Recognition and Growth

APSI's annual awards program represents more than just recognition: it embodies the organization's values and commitment to excellence in serving individuals with developmental disabilities. From celebrating client achievements and independence to honoring staff dedication and community partnerships, these awards highlight the collaborative effort required to advance the rights and well-being of people with developmental disabilities.

The June All-Staff and Awards Recognition event serves as an opportunity for the entire APSI community to come together, celebrate achievements, and recommit to the important work ahead. Through these awards, APSI ensures that excellence in advocacy, growth, and service continues to be recognized, encouraged, and rewarded throughout the organization and beyond.

Whether honoring a client's journey toward independence, a staff member's exceptional advocacy, or a community partner's lifetime of service, APSI's awards program reflects the organization's deep appreciation for all those who contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive world for individuals with developmental disabilities.