Donna May receives Echelbarger Award 2011

Posted December 22, 2011
Donna May, Mason City, was named Outstanding Employee of the Year at Opportunity Village during the staff Christmas party in December.

CEO John Severtson presented the Shirley Echelbarger Award to May. The award is named after an early employee of the Village who was known for her dedication and service.
Donna May


May is an Area Coordinator working through the Village's Mason City Services office, supporting individuals in two Village homes in that community. "She is kind, loving, caring, empathetic, firm, and disciplined all in the same day," said her supervisor. "She's often been heard saying, "We're not doing the individuals any favors by coddling them through life.' "

She also encourages good rapport among her co-workers. "Donna has inspired many 'first steps' with her consistent encouragement and positive attitude and her ability to see the true capabilities of others." May started working at the Village in 2000.

The Echelbarger Award winner is selected from winners in the past two years of the Tom Thornblade Award, another employee honor at the Village. May received the Thornblade Award in 2010.

Several Thornblade awards are given each year. The Tom Thornblade Award is named for another former staff member and is funded by the Martin Koldyke family. The Thornblade Award winners for 2011 were Cathy Dencklau, Dee Hollatz, Elda Stone, Ellen Reyna, and Anthony Jennings.

Opportunity Village employs more than 600 full and part-time staff. The Village provides supports for daily living and work to over 600 people with disabilities in many communities of Iowa.