This annual award honors Charles and Laura Haverstick’s 3 deceased sons Charlie, David & Glenn, all of whom had disabilities and were served by Friendship Community. The Haverstick Award recipient is nominated by current Team Members. Recipients are Individuals supported by Friendship Community who have shown tremendous growth in the following areas:
- Giving back to the community
- Overcoming significant obstacles
- Surpassing previous capabilities
The Haverstick Award for Individual of the Year goes to Todd Hambleton. Todd moved into the Friendship Community Leola home in February 2019. Prior to moving into our home, he recently had cochlear implant surgery, due to his profound deafness, in one of his ears. His speech was limited, and he mostly read lips signed, or used one or two words to communicate. He was shy is social settings and did not want to participate in social activities.
During the past 5 years, Todd has had a team of staff helping him with his communication skills. Speech therapists, communication specialists, Leola staff, and his parents. With Todd’s eagerness to learn, patience, perseverance and practicing daily, he has moved mountains. Todd is now speaking in full sentences, articulating his words and vastly widened his vocabulary.
Todd received his 2nd cochlear implant last May and he is running leaps and bounds. His is asking to participate in social events and activities and meeting new friends. Todd has volunteered for many organizations throughout his life, including his home church’s food bank, Brethren Village, and Meals on Wheels. We are all so proud of Todd’s great accomplishments and cannot wait to see what his future holds.
This award was presented on January 22, 2024, by Lisa Black, Residential Manager, during Activity Night. Todd’s family, Team Members and housemates were in attendance that evening to support him as he won this momentous achievement.
Congratulations to Todd for receiving the 2023 Haverstick Award!