Eastpointe LME employees honored
By Staff Reports
Published in News on July 19, 2009 2:00 AM
Rita Hodges and Nancy Moore, both from the Eastpointe Local Management Entity, were recently recognized with the N.C. Council of Community Programs 2009 Area Board Leadership Award to honor her commitment to those in need of mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse services.
They were honored at a special awards banquet in Raleigh on June 1, hosted by the N.C. Council of Community Programs.
Ken Jones, area director for Eastpointe, presented Mrs. Hodges' award.
"Ms. Hodges was instrumental in the merger of Duplin, Sampson and Lenoir, and then Duplin, Sampson, Lenoir and Wayne. She has always been a loyal board member and is currently the area board chair for the Eastpointe LME," he said. "Recently, with Mrs. Hodges and the board support, Eastpointe was able to speak to over 5,000 high school and junior high school students on how abuse of the drug methamphetamine affects the lives of people. I am sure that this day of prevention will mean lives will be spared from this terrible drug.
"Mrs. Hodges also advocates for consumers. She has written letters to legislators regarding her concern for services and how they are delivered. She recently wrote a letter to the governor and legislators about the need for a new Cherry hospital in the Goldsboro area. Mrs. Hodges is a dedicated, trustworthy, loyal, kindhearted and knowledgeable board member that has the best interest of consumers, staff and the stakeholders of the MH/DD/SA system in her best interest."
Venessia Hill, client advocate for Eastpointe, presented Mrs. Moore's award.
"Nancy Moore is Chair of Eastpointe's Consumer and Family Advisory Committee and is in her second year as chair," she said. "There are numerous committees that Nancy serves on in regard to fulfilling her CFAC duties. She also attends East-pointe's weekly management team meeting and gives a monthly CFAC report to Eastpointe's board. Mrs. Moore has pulled together a CFAC Committee that actively meets with the director, the LME Liaison and other staff members to share thoughts and recommendations for providing better services to persons with disabilities.
"As CFAC Chair, Mrs. Moore pushed for crisis intervention training. After approximately 18 months, she saw her dream come true as the first class was held in Wayne County. This fall, she will attend the third class to be held in Wayne County and the first class to be held in Sampson County. She helped with the copying, assembly of notebooks, and food preparation. Nancy Moore contributes to the leadership of CFAC, not only in the forefront as her duties as chair, but she also makes significant contributions "behind the scene" to make sure the voices of the consumer and family members are heard loud and clear."
The N.C. Council of Community Programs is the State Association for Local Management Entities who manage the treatment and rehabilitation services for over 325,000 persons disabled by mental illness, developmental disabilities and alcohol and drug abuse each year.