The Guidance Center (TGC) celebrated its 40th anniversary at its annual Employee Appreciation and Years of Service Recognition Event held on Friday, June 7th. The Guidance Center’s date of incorporation was June 7, 1984 when it was started as a non-profit organization with about 23 employees. Today, TGC has expanded to 8 counties, employs over 160 individuals and provides 26 different programs.
This year’s celebratory event was held in the Mukaiyama Room at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. All agency employees and its Board of Directors were treated to a catered lunch and were found enjoying yard Jenga, cornhole and socializing amongst each other. The celebration featured a photo booth, raffle baskets, a TGC trivia game and superlative “Office Awards.” Additionally, a video was shown in which employees and clients shared their appreciation for the organization. A committee of TGC employees worked for months to plan and arrange the memorable event. Approximately 150 people were in attendance.
The guests of honor were Dr. Bazzoui and his wife, Cheryl. When introducing Dr. Bazzoui, Dr. Denise Bean, TGC Executive Director shared “ Dr. Bazzoui was TGC’s medical director for many years and played a pivotal role in bringing behavioral health services to this region. His work has had a lasting impact on the agency and surrounding communities.” Dr. Bazzoui received a standing ovation from those in attendance.
During the event, employees who met years of service milestones were honored. This year, Terri Cook, Recovery & Support Administrative Coordinator, was specially recognized by Jayne Peterson for her 40 years of service and dedication to TGC.
Also recognized were Penny Drake (Fiscal Administrative Assistant) and Rosemary McNamee (Outpatient Therapist) for the 30 years they have been with the agency and Laura Rhodes (IBHS Therapist) for her 25 years of service.
Other staff reaching milestones included: 20 years – Kathleen Barhight; 15 years – Kimberly Ditz, Harold Yale and Melissa Brewer; 10 years – Colleen Chahal, Jenna Corah, Jessica Bloom and Kathleen Peace; and 5 years – Courtney Harris, Angela Carkin, Christina Hansen, Nicole Drabert, Emily Gerew, Taryn Schenfield, Megan McCool, Renee Johnston and Melinda Vigliotti.
For more information regarding The Guidance Center, please visit our website at www.guidancecenter.net or call 814-362-6535.