The Community Support Network (CSN) Awards began in 2014 as a way to recognize the incredible work and dedication of our CSN groups and leaders. There are four categories:
- Most Innovative Event
- Up & Comers of the Year
- Trailblazers of the Year
- CSN Leader of the Year
The group awards are nominated by their regional leaders. The winners are voted on by all of the regional leaders.
The CSN Leader of the Year is an extra special award as it is a peer-nominated award. All CSN leaders nominate and vote for one CSN leader who inspires them.
These are the winners of the 2015 CSN Awards.
Crystal Chivers and Brittany Howard, Fragile X of Central Arkansas’
Most Innovative Event
’ Valentine Candy Love Jugs
This award is presented to the group that has demonstrated uniqueness and creativity to bring awareness, education and funds to Fragile X.
The “Love Jugs” are plastic mason jar mugs were filled with candy and awareness information, and boasted the NFXF logo in an adorable XOXO. As a small group, they showed how to take a unique idea and promote the mission of the NFXF. Through small ideas comes growth.
This was one of the cutest ideas we have seen! From start to finish, it was well executed, from taking orders to delivering these Valentine Day surprises. It incorporated awareness, fundraising and chocolate – absolutely perfect!
Dillon Kelly and Kelley Devine, Sibling and Self-Advocate Community Support Network
Up and Comers of the Year
This award is presented to groups established from 2010–2015 who demonstrate a complete well rounded approach fulfilling the Community Support Network’s guidelines, reaching each aspect of support, education, awareness, advocacy and fundraising.
This new group is dedicated, energized and always wanting to do more! They hold monthly social calls and business meetings. They rocked Let ‘Em Know and a kick-off fundraiser for Let ‘Em Know at the Ruddy Duck where group leader Dillon Kelly works. They are always looking for new ways to get more siblings and self-advocates involved and do an amazing job communicating for a group that is spread coast-to-coast!
There is no longer the excuse of “we live too far apart” after seeing what the Sibling & Self-Advocate group does – covering the entire US! They are really doing a great job of bringing everyone together!
Every member of this group is an inspiration, following Dillon and his co-leader Kelley Devine’s lead, there is never hesitation to get out and do more! It’s amazing to watch and an inspiration to us all!
Denise Devine, Western Massachusetts Fragile X
Trailblazers of the Year
This award is presented to groups established prior to 2010 who demonstrate a complete well rounded approach fulfilling the Community Support Network’s guidelines, reaching each aspect of support, education, awareness, advocacy and fundraising.
Denise Devine has been tirelessly working with the media, talking to medical students, planning a family event and her annual wine tasting. Like other CSN, Western MA is not large in terms of members, but Denise is a force to be reckoned with!
Her group is a great reminder that you don’t have to have tons of members to make a difference, it’s all in the dedication of those who want to do more. She is a rock and an inspiration – her group has done it all!
The Western Massachusetts group continues to do it all and push us all to be and do more! Hands down, a well deserving group!
Amy Zolecki, Central Illinois Fragile X
Community Support Network Leader of the Year
Amy Zeleznik ()
This award is for one CSN leader, elected by their peers, who stands out as an inspiration to the Fragile X Community, one who demonstrates the passion, heart and commitment of a dedicated volunteer.
Amy is always involved in some form of awareness or fundraising campaign. She has established such a strong community of support, we am amazed each and every time.
Amy’s family as a whole is simply tireless with raising awareness, resources, kindness and everything in between. But Amy herself is at the forefront of all that and her efforts are contagious.
Amy has been a pillar and a leading example of how to be an advocate in her community. She has created an amazing network of support for not only her family, but their community as well. She has amazing and unique events!
2014 CSN Leadership Award Winners
Most Innovative Event – Fragile X Resource Group of Greater New York City and New Jersey Fragile X Community Support: Collaborative Webinars on IQ Testing and IEP’s
Up & Comers of the Year – Kansas Fragile X Group
Trailblazers of the Year – Central Illinois Fragile X
CSN Leader of the Year – Missy Zolecki, Greater Chicago Fragile X
Author
Holly Usrey-Roos
started as the LINKS program assistant for the National Fragile X Foundation in 2010 and became the LINKS program coordinator in the fall of 2012. In early 2014 the LINKS Support Network was rebranded as the Community Support Network (CSN). Holly has two children, a son and a daughter, with Fragile X syndrome. In 2006 she founded the Central Illinois Fragile X CSN group to bring families together and raise awareness about Fragile X in the region. She currently acts as co-leader of the group. Holly has been a speaker at several conferences, including the NFXF’s international conferences, on topics such as “Working with Your School,” “Media Relations,” “Fundraising,” and “How to Talk to Your Child’s Classmates About Fragile X.” The last of these was made into a podcast for the NFXF.