Thornblade Awards to Murry and Kimbrough-Slaikeu
Rich Murray, Mason City,and Heather Kimbrough-Slaikeu, Eagle Grove, recently each received the Tom Thornblade Award from Opportunity Village for outstanding job performance in support of people with disabilities.
Pastor Rich, as he is known at the Village, is the Spiritual Resources Coordinator. Murray started working at the Village in 2003 and began his current position in 2007. His day starts with sharing warm greetings with anyone entering the Village's main activity center in Clear Lake, where his office is located. "Several start their day with a brief prayer or worship song to lift their mood and help them face the day in a positive manner. These are joy-filled interactions," his nominator said.
Murray has embraced the Village philosophy of community integration for clients, through his work with local congregations and volunteer agencies. He facilitates client involvement in community activities such as ringing the Salvation Army bell, delivering Meals on Wheels, and coordinating filling food bags for Backpack Buddies. He also has officiated weddings, conducted funeral services, and made numerous hospital visits. Murray provides care and support to both clients and staff during times of loss or personal crisis.
Heather Kimbrough-Slaikeu, who first came to work for Opportunity Village in 2007, recently was promoted to Supported Community Living (SCL) Supervisor for Village services in the Humboldt area. "She has a way of reaching out to others and being a great listener when problems arise in the workplace," one of her nominators said. "She also takes time to help solve client and staff issues to better the environment for everyone. Heather adapts to changes easily and goes out of her way to make things work well."
Described as having "an upbeat personality and an open mind," she has been a positive influence on those around her.
Opportunity Village awards several Thornblade Awards during the year to staff members who exemplify the caring and dedication demonstrated by the late Tom Thornblade, a longtime employee. The award is made possible with a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Martin Koldyke. Murray and Kimbrough-Slaikeu are the first Thornblade winners in 2015.
For more information about nominating a Village employee for this award, call the Village at 641-357-5277. Employees who have won the award are eligible for nomination again after three years.
The Village, based in Clear Lake, serves nearly 600 people with disabilities throughout northern Iowa, providing supports for daily living, work opportunities, and training.
