Local Social Worker Honored by Eli Lilly

Local Human Services Agency Receives National Recognition

A Naugatuck based Human Services Agency has received notice that they will be the recipient of The Welcome Back Award sponsored by the Eli Lilly Company. Guardian Ad Litem Services, Inc. works with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses who reside in the community.

A division of the agency, “Melissa’s Project”, and its clinical director Sara Valentino of Beacon Falls, are being honored for the unique work that they do in coordinating services for the most “at need” population of participants receiving services from both Connecticut’s Probate Court Administration and department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Ms Valentino is one of five recipients of this prestigious award nationally, which will be formally presented in San Diego California in May. A monetary award of $10,000.00 will be granted to the organization at that time. Melissa’s Project is seen as a national model for the collaboration and coordination of treatment of persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses.

The Welcome Back Awards was established by Eli Lilly and Company nine years ago to help fight the stigma associated with depression and to spread the word that depression is treatable. Each year, the program celebrates achievement in the depression community by recognizing five individuals for outstanding contributions in the areas of lifetime achievement, community service, destigmatization, primary care and psychiatry. To find out more about this award, please visit the Eli Lilly website.

For more information contact Executive Director, Michael W Mackniak, Esq. 203-723-4332