
LEWISTON: In its first annual presentation of awards for outstanding commitment, passion, and service, Tri-County Mental Health Services recognized two special individuals for their work to improve the lives of individuals in our community.
The Honorable Judge John B. Beliveau of Lewiston was honored with the Giving Voice Award for his work with the Family Treatment Drug Court Program. The program improves the safety and welfare of children and supports the recovery of their parents from alcohol and drug abuse.

Kimberly Walker of South Paris received the Inspiration Award, which is presented to an outstanding Tri-County Mental Health Services employee who demonstrates excellence and exemplary commitment to service clients and achieving the agency's mission. Kimberly works in Tri-County's Oxford location as a Coordinator/Clinician for the Intensive Community Integration Program.

The awards were presented during the Agency's Annual Meeting held at the Ramada Inn in Lewiston, with more than 120 people in attendance. The event also featured an inspiring keynote address by Mary Grealish, a nationally known pioneer in what is known as the Wraparound Process, which involves an individualized, strengths-based approach to mental health services, and original music, by Rick "Charlie" Ames of Rumford.
In other business at the meeting, the following officers were elected: Chris DeMerchant, President; Dan Moreno, 1st Vice President; Stephanie Crystal-Wolfstone Francis, 2nd Vice President; Martha Meeks & Roberta Lane, 3rd Vice President (Joint); N. Paul Gauvreau, Secretary; and Mike Williams, Treasurer.

With clinic locations in Lewiston, Bridgton, Farmington, Oxford, and Rumford, as well as community locations throughout the region, Tri-County Mental Health Services is Maine's most comprehensive agency dealing with the psychological and social well-being of children, adults, and elders. TCMHS serves over 7,000 individuals each year with innovative programs and services addressing mental health, substance abuse, mental retardation/developmental disabilities, autism, and more. Its philosophy of building toward recovery and sensitivity to traumatic experiences of consumers gives hope to individuals, families, and communities in Androscoggin, Northern Cumberland, Franklin and Oxford counties.