Arc Mercer, a nonprofit organization that serves over 1,000 people with special needs and their families every day, announced the choice of 2015 Community Hero Award, Employee of the Year, and the Shining Star of the Year Award.
Hamilton Patrolman Robert Whartenby is nominated by Arc Mercer Aktion Club for the award. The Aktion Club is a Kiwanis chapter for special needs membership that recruits people with developmental, cognitive and other disabilities to provide services to the community as would any other Kiwanis chapter.
Officer Whartenby was nominated by Aktion Club President Andrew Monti because of his heroic response after having his leg amputated in a horrific motorcycle accident four years ago; his hard work has been an inspiration to the police and his community by returning to dangerous full-time active duty. His motivation to overcome obstacles, dedication to become an amputee-companion and advocate for fellow officers facing special needs demonstrates his commitment to helping others.
Andrew Moni was nominated by his colleagues for the Arc Mercer Rising Star Award and will receive it the same night as Officer Whartenby. Monti, employed through the Clerical Program within the ARC Mercer’s Occupational Training Center, has been a motivating force to his fellow consumers within the ARC Mercer. He actively participates within community outreach program, including the Drama and Music Programs offered by the ARC Mercer, as well as helping engage his fellow consumers in community service based projects with the Aktion Club, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Bordentown. He is an exceptional individual who stepped up to be the President of the Aktion Club, a unique club for consumers with special needs, and became the leader and mentor for his peers.
Arc Mercer is committed to securing for people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to choose and realize their goals. For questions and more information about participating in the Gala, contact Kris Clark at (609) 406-0181, ext. 191, kclark@arcmercer.org or visit arcmercer.org.
