Champions of Change Luncheon Celebrates the Power of Inclusion Across Fayette County
Arc, Fayette hosted its Champions of Change Luncheon on October 24 at the Uniontown Country Club, bringing together leaders, business partners, and community to celebrate those advancing inclusion and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across Fayette County. The event highlighted the collective impact of partnerships that foster belonging and strengthen the community through shared commitment and compassion.
Community leaders, including Senator Patrick J. Stefano, State Representative Charity Grimm Krupa and Commissioner Vincent A. Vicites, joined the luncheon in support of programs that empower individuals with disabilities and promote inclusion.
During the luncheon, Senator and State Representatives Citations and Founders Award were presented in honor of David and Shirley Merlin, lifelong advocates for individuals with disabilities. The Merlin Arc Fayette Scholarship, made possible through their donation, continues their legacy by supporting students pursuing higher education in fields related to IDD. This year’s scholarship recipient, Emma Eckert, was recognized for her dedication to inclusion.
The luncheon also highlighted the Arc, Fayette’s Supported Employment Program, connecting individuals with IDD to meaningful jobs in the community while working closely with employers to promote inclusion and workforce integration.
Jeremiah and Kristen Bates, owners of Emerald Cleaning Services, were recognized with Senator and State Representatives Citations and Community Partnership Award for their decade-long commitment to employing individuals with IDD. A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Texas Roadhouse in Uniontown for dedication to employee growth. The program also acknowledged other participating employers whose partnerships give employment opportunities to individuals with IDD.
In her remarks, Mary Mossburg, Executive Director of Arc, Fayette, emphasized that inclusion is a shared responsibility: “Inclusion is a commitment we make to one another,” said Mossburg. “Today’s awardees remind us that when people with IDD are given opportunities to succeed, our entire community grows stronger. We are deeply grateful to Senator Stefano, State Representative Krupa, State Representative Warner, Commissioner Vicites, and all our community partners for standing beside us in this important work.”
The Champions of Change Luncheon reflected a unified vision of a Fayette County where every individual, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to live, learn, work, and thrive as part of a welcoming and inclusive community.
