News Release
December 5, 2006

Media Contact: Tina Clark, APR
Director of Development & Community Relations
207-784-4110 x 158
tclark@tcmhs.org

Tri-County Mental Health Services Presents Awards, Elects Leaders

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.

Judge John B. Beliveau accepts the Giving Voice Award from Tri-County Mental Health Services' Executive Director Chris Copeland. Judge Beliveau was honored for his work on behalf of consumers, children and families through the Family Treatment Drug Court Program.

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.

Kimberly Walker, center, received the Inspiration Award for her work on behalf of clients as a Coordinator/Clinician for Tri-County Mental Health Services' Intensive Community Integration Program in the Oxford Region. The award was presented by TCMHS Board President Chris DeMerchant (left) and Executive Director Chris Copeland (right) at the agency's annual meeting on October 25.

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.

Board Member Jolene Lovejoy, Rumford Unit Manager Peggy Newton, and former Board President LuAnn Rhodes

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.