Inspiration and care celebrated at TRS gala
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COLUMBIANA -- The Columbiana County community came out in high numbers to support Threshold Residential Services (TRS) during the organization's second annual fundraising gala held Thursday at The Barn at Firestone.
The evening delivered on its promise of celebration, inspiration and recognition and focused on the gala's theme of "Building Our Future."
"Tonight's theme embodies our shared vision of a brighter future tomorrow for the individuals with developmental disabilities we serve and showcases what our organization will do to support those futures," said TRS CEO Chris Page.
Page told the attendees that in the past year, TRS has invested over $600,000 in the purchasing and renovating homes in the East Palestine and Lisbon areas, adding certifications that emphasize technologies, created new partnerships with businesses and invested over $800,000 to give raises to support staff and professionals.
"Our direct support staff are the backbone of our organization and I couldn't be more pleased with the care they provide to the individuals we serve," Page said.
Pete Moore, CEO of the Ohio Providers Resources Association, congratulated Threshold for setting the bar for care and an example of how to get through trying circumstances of last year's Norfolk Train derailment that disrupted and displaced much of the village.
"When I think of great providers in Ohio, I think of Threshold. I really do. We are fortunate to have many great members of OPRA, but what Chris has done at Threshold, it's just incredible to see the growth," Moore said. "There are three things that are important for great providers. The first is leadership. And I think you see that here with this gala. The leadership that Threshold has brought to your community is commendable. That leadership shows itself when you have tremendous adversity that you have to face. We heard about it all over the world with the train wreck, but good people fight their way through that. That's so important, that's leadership."
Aside from leadership, Moore said providers have to care about the work that they do.
"You have to truly care about individuals with developmental disabilities and care about helping them live good lives. That's so important and Threshold does that," Moore added. "You can sense that as I stand here right now. As you look around the room, you can feel that good feeling."
Moore said community involvement is also crucial -- another key Threshold has mastered and evident by the gala's turnout.
"Again, just look around the room. Look at your great sponsors, look at your board, look at your staff, look at your community members that are here," he said. "That is what helps build toward the future. That's what helps Threshold be great and that's what will help Threshold lead the way into the future."
Other featured speakers included Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities Superintendent Bill Devon and East Palestine Village Manager Chad Edwards.
Page expressed thanks for the support Threshold received on Thursday and the support TRS receives everyday to help the often underestimated reach their full potential, especially those who's love and advocacy demand it.
"As we reflect on our journey and what has brought us here at this moment, we are filled with gratitude for our clients, their families and their guardians whose resilience and determination inspires us everyday," Page said. "Together, we will continue to build a solid foundation for a more inclusive and compassionate society where every individual is inspired to thrive."