Vinita Timothy Thomas Honored with Oklahoma Governor Disability Employment Awards of Excellence

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Sixteen individuals from across the state, five employers and two prominent media outlets were honored during the annual “Governor’s Disability Employment Awards of Excellence” recently held at the Phillips Pavilion on the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion in Oklahoma City. KOCO-TV Channel 5 Anchor Paul Folger emceed the event.

Originally created by former Governor and First Lady George and Donna Nigh 29 years ago, the awards recognize individuals with disabilities with a Governor’s commendation for “Outstanding Achievements in Employment.” One of this year’s winners included Vinita, Oklahoma’s Timothy Thomas who received his award from Oklahoma Secretary of State Chris Benge and Oklahoma Department of Human Services Director Ed Lake.

Oklahoma Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services Case Manager II Deborah Bates nominated Thomas for this award. She said Thomas has worked as a bagger at Carter’s Food Center since July 2013.

When Timothy broke his foot several years ago and was off work for three months, Carter’s had his back,” Bates said. “They continued to pay him, held his job for him and welcomed him back to work once his foot healed.”

She said Timothy’s boss, Blake Allen, the store owner’s son, said that during the past year, Timothy has learned how to “face” shelves (to pull things to the front and make the shelves look uniform and neat).

“Blake can send Tim to do the frozen foods and it is not long before he is back and ready for his next assignment,” Bates said. “Blake says Tim’s excitement about doing his job is what makes him such a valuable asset. No matter what he is asked to do, Tim tackles it with excitement and enthusiasm.”

She said Thomas used to be somewhat reserved around new people, but has flourished since he started working at Carter’s. His community activities are now done on his own or with people from work and the community. He also participates in a golf league, goes fishing with friends and goes out to lunch or soda/coffee dates with the people he knows.

The changes in Tim have been wonderful to see, and working at Carter’s has been an incredible opportunity and growth experience,” Bates said. “This past year, Tim took his housemate on a cruise to Hawaii. He’s become more secure in himself, more outgoing and he’s changed into a totally different and independent person.

The Governor’s Disability Employment Awards of Excellence competition and program is co-sponsored by the Governor’s Office, the Oklahoma DHS Developmental Disabilities Services, the Oklahoma DRS and the Oklahoma Association of People Supporting EmploymentFirst. Award winners are annually selected by a panel of public servants and volunteers who either serve people with disabilities or represent organizations that provide direct care for them daily.

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Timothy Thomas receives an Oklahoma Governor’s Disability Employment Award of Excellence.