RIDGWAY — Dickinson Center’s Employment Support Services celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October.

Michelle Pastore earned Dickinson Center’s Employment Support Services (ESS) fourth annual Joseph Goff Memorial Distinguished Worker Award. Pastore has been employed at Dickinson Center Employment Support Services for the last five years. During this time Michelle has been able to achieve her vocational goals through hard work and dedication to her job. Michelle exemplifies the recovery motto by setting the example of how individual efforts, combined with a supportive team of family, friends, community employers and service providers, can lead to success in all aspects of life, especially employment. Pastore’s coworkers, DCI officials said, are encouraging and supportive, which helps contribute to her success.

“Michelle is truly an inspiration to all with her achievements and overcoming her obstacles and succeeding with her life goals. DCI is very fortunate to have Michelle as a part of our team,” stated Marsha Dippold, ESS Program manager.

The Joe Goff award is given to someone who has shown strides in improving their life by achieving their personal and vocational goals.

In April 2021, Joe Goff passed away suddenly. He was a colleague of Dickinson’s ESS team who worked for years at the St. Mary’s driver’s license center for B&T Building Services. Joe enjoyed his job, gardening, photography and spending time with his friends.

Founded in 1958, Dickinson Center Inc. (an affiliate of Journey Health System) provides rural behavioral health services in Elk, Cameron, Potter, McKean, Forest, Warren, Jefferson and Clearfield counties.

For more information about services at DCI, visit dickinsoncenter.org.