CHCS recognizes staff for 1,120 combined years of service

By Natalie Nightingale 
CHCS NESCOM student intern

    BANGOR — Community Health and Counseling Services (CHCS) held its 130th Staff Recognition Ceremony on Oct. 15 at the Spectacular Event Center. More than 220 staff, family, friends and board members attended to celebrate 90 individuals being recognized for 1,120 combined years of service to the community.

    John Miller, president of the CHCS Board of Directors, showed the agency’s appreciation by handing out gifts and certificates to those being recognized with the assistance of Angela Butler, vice president of the board of directors, who announced their years of service.
    Dale Hamilton, executive director, addressed the crowd with an emphasis on giving thanks. “As a non-profit, [CHCS] doesn’t exist because of shareholders – we exist because of the people who work here providing the necessary support to those we serve. It’s our way to say ‘thank you’ to our contributors and to the people who deliver those services,” Hamilton said.
    Among those being recognized are five from Dover-Foxcroft. For 20 years: Sophie Koscielny; 15 years: Marsha Walden and Sharon Phillips; five years: Linda Vainio and Laura Rosania.
    “Employee longevity is significant in an organization that provides human services,” Hamilton said. “It saves nonprofit organizations time and money when staff retention is high. If there is a significant number of employee turnover, more time is put into training and developing skills instead of into the services we provide.”