tries of the Berkshires, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, Meridian Associates, Sullivan & Associates, Inc., and UCP Association of Berkshire County.
   This event also would not have been possible without the support of local business sponsors:
 

   Rick Hawes, Coordinator of Advantage Employee Network Vocational Services at Berkshire County Arc, was recently presented with  the 2004 Massachusetts Association for Persons and Supported Employment Leadership Award. MAPSE presents this award annually to a person who demonstrates leadership in the area of supported employment.
   Rick was recommended for this award by Executive Director Ken Singer, Employment Trainer Andrew Rapport, and AEN employee Betty Ann Marshall. 
   Having worked for BCARC for over 14 years, Rick has seen the progression of supported em

ployment from sheltered workshops to the community-based employment that people with disabilities are able to be a part of today.  He is happy to work with the now 125 people that AEN employs, and he truly enjoys the work that he does.  In his own words, " You're only as good as the people you work with, and the staff at AEN are what make it work."  Rick enjoys helping people become successful;  he feels that this is what drives both him and the rest of the staff at AEN.
   Rick has not only been a part of the human services field for over 20 years, but he is also  an active part of the local community through the Berkshire

County Chamber of Commerce.       
   Congratulations on your achievement Rick Hawes!