An Evening of Recognition and Celebration
Strawberry Fields' annual Making a Difference Awards ceremony will be held on April 30, 2026. This exciting event celebrates consumers, staff and volunteers who consistently go above and beyond, recognizing their outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication to our mission.
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April 30
Doors open at 4:30pm
Dinner & Ceremony begin at 5pm​​
at Toftrees Golf Resort​
1 Country Club Lane
State College, PA 16803
Please RSVP by April 21st
Please note this event is only for staff, consumers, and volunteers. Children and guests are NOT permitted unless you are receiving an award.
2026 Award Winners
Stephen C. Joyce Staff Award
Courtney Shilling
nominated by Michael Smith
Stephen C. Joyce Consumer Award
Stephen McKinley
nominated by Rainy Call
Amelia S. Harding Staff Award
Brandy Roane
nominated by Marie Jury
Amelia S. Harding Consumer Award
Cassey Pressler
nominated by Marie Jury, Elle Lyle, and Maureen Wagner
Early Intervention Award
Michelle Ruffo
nominated by Lindsey Chura
Good Day Cafe Employee of the Year Award
Steve Clark
nominated by Elaine Lee​
Scraps & Skeins Employee of the Year Award
Christine Wilson
nominated by Julie Burris, Lynn Rogers, Dottie Ewing, and Patti Spicer
Administrative Award
Cody Dinger
nominated by Fran McDermid​
Unsung Hero Award
Liviana Miller
nominated by Alecia Lindmeier​
Ellen Campbell Volunteer Impact Award
Janie Prichard
nominated by Leo Toyokawa and Andre Lazarow​
The Awards
Intellectual Disabilities
Stephen C. Joyce Consumer Award
The Stephen C. Joyce Consumer Award recognizes individuals in SFI's IDD residential program, who consistently go above and beyond expected growth, serve as a role model for other consumers, is committed to focusing on their goals and strengths, and has a great attitude despite their personal challenges.
Stephen C. Joyce Staff Award
The Stephen C. Joyce Staff Award recognizes
Direct Support Professionals and Nurses who work in SFI's IDD residential program. The winner of this award consistently goes above and beyond their job requirements, exceeds expectations on a regular basis, takes initiative and shows dedication, and exhibits a high level of commitment.
Mental Health
Amelia S. Harding Consumer Award
The Amelia S. Harding Consumer Award recognizes individuals in SFI's Mental Health programs, who consistently go above and beyond expected growth, serve as a role model for other consumers, is committed to focusing on their goals and strengths, and has a great attitude despite their personal challenges. This includes residential (CRRs), Blended Case Management, and the Fairweather Lodge.
Amelia S. Harding Staff Award
The Amelia S. Harding Staff Award recognizes
Direct Support Professionals and Nurses who work in SFI's mental health programs. The winner of this award consistently goes above and beyond their job requirements, exceeds expectations on a regular basis, takes initiative and shows dedication, and exhibits a high level of commitment. This includes This includes residential (CRRs), Blended Case Management, and the Fairweather Lodge.
Early Intervention
Early Intervention Award
The Early Intervention Award recognizes staff in SFI's Early Intervention program who consistently go above and beyond their job requirements, exceed expectations on a regular basis, take initiative and show dedication, and exhibit a high level of commitment.
Social Enterprise
Scraps & Skeins
Employee of the Year Award
The Scraps & Skeins Employee of the Year Award recognizes staff who work at Scraps & Skeins. The winner of this award consistently goes above and beyond their job requirements, exceeds expectations on a regular basis, takes initiative and shows dedication, and exhibits a high level of commitment.
Good Day Cafe
Employee of the Year Award
The Good Day Cafe Employee of the Year Award recognizes staff who work at Good Day Cafe. The winner of this award consistently goes above and beyond their job requirements, exceeds expectations on a regular basis, takes initiative and shows dedication, and exhibits
a high level of commitment.
Other
Administrative Award
The Administrative Award recognizes staff at the main office, IT, maintenance, trainers, managers, and directors. The winner of this award consistently goes above and beyond their job requirements, exceeds expectations on a regular basis, takes initiative and shows dedication, and exhibits a high level of commitment.
Unsung Hero Award
The winner of the Unsung Hero Award takes initiative without being prompted and without fanfare, is a positive and steady presence, demonstrates exceptional reliability, always willing to help when and where needed.
Ellen Campbell Volunteer Impact Award
The Ellen Campbell Volunteer Impact Award was named after Ellen Campbell, whose unwavering dedication continues to champion the mission of Strawberry Fields every day. The winner of this award is a volunteer on the Board of Directors, at Scraps & Skeins, or at Good Day Cafe who consistently goes above and beyond to champion the mission of SFI through the time they devote to the organization, has a genuine desire to serve others, and has made an impact in the program they volunteer for.
Questions?
Contact Lissi at lprzybys@sfionline.org or 814-234-6023.