Stange awarded Golden Heart

Posted April 16, 2010

Abebi Stange, 26, received Opportunity Village's Golden Heart Award in April. The Golden Heart Award recognizes people served by the Village who demonstrate the qualities of Competence, Community Involvement, Courtesy, and Courage.

Stange has received Village services since 2002, starting out in a small home setting in Mason City. She moved to Moon Valley Cottage, an ICF/MR home, on the Clear Lake campus in 2008. It was a big adjustment for her, with more housemates and 24-hour staffing. She needed staff with her when she went to work at the activity center and frequently would leave upset or refuse to attend at all.

Now, two years later, Stange goes to work every day by herself. She is always willing to try new jobs and has established relationships with co-workers and job coaches. She also likes to help out at home. She worked hard to lose 50 pounds since moving to Moon Valley. Recently she started bowling with a group on Saturday mornings. Stange also attends Spiritual Life gatherings on Wednesday nights at the Village.

"When Abebi came to us, none of this was a thought in our forecast," said a staff member at Moon Valley. "Now after hard work and teamwork with Abebi's help, she has grown and blossomed tremendously. We are all very proud of Abebi's success and accomplishments."

The Golden Heart Award is given out twice a year. Previous recipients include Jeff "Bucky" Jondal, Webster City; Louise Dvorak, Eagle Grove; and Shawn Williamson, Carl Kalvig, Kurt Kehrli, Jack Hughes, Brian Anderson, Camilla Hackett, Terry Richey, Crystal Harper, and Heather Watts, all of Clear Lake. Nominations are accepted from people served by the Village, staff, community members such as employers or clergy, families, county case managers, or volunteers.