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2022 Jack Jonas Spirit Award Winners

January 20, 2023
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CPRF Winner: Daniel Jenkins | Shop Technician and Scheduler

Daniel has been a technician at the Seating Clinic for over 15 years. He is always bright and cheery when he comes to work. He exhibits a team-first attitude with all his fellow employees. When the occupational therapists and physical therapists are struggling with the work load or need advice on how to better serve their patients, Daniel is the first to ask “How can I help?” This is always done with a genuine smile and the desire to assist.

Where Daniel really shines is with the Wheelchair Clinic’s clients. He has a loyal group of what we call “fan club members” who will ask for Daniel by name. This is because Daniel often performs the fitting check-outs with them and gets to know them personally. He goes above and beyond in explaining each component and accessory in detail with the clients, their families, and their caregivers. He is passionate about ensuring that each client understands what they are getting, why they are getting it, and how it works. This care and concern is reflected in the consistently positive feedback the Wheelchair Clinic receives from clients and their families.

Another place that Daniel shines is on the road. When a tech is required to accompany the occupational therapist to one of our to satellite seating clinics, Daniel organizes all the tools and delivery items so that the clinics can run efficiently. He is a pleasant traveling companion and is always willing to drive home after a long day of seeing clients.

In the last couple years, Daniel has also taken on the additional responsibility of helping schedule clients for their fitting and modification appointments. He brings his unique knowledge and his passion to help people while learning this often difficult task. Daniel also takes the time to work with the PR department to help identify patients for testimonials, and he and his wife volunteer for all the events that CPRF throws, including Milk and Cookies with Santa, Fall Fest, and River City Roll.

Congratulations, Daniel!

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BTCO, Inc. Winner: Chris Ronnfeldt | Document Specialist

Chris was nominated by his coworkers for his caring personality and willingness to always help his peers. He’s been known to assist coworkers with getting on the bus at the end of a workday for their commute home. He has a strong work ethic and is committed to the success of not just himself, but the entire team he works with. He is a joy to be around, has a wonderful sense of humor, and goes out of his way to make sure everyone enjoys being at work. His good energy is contagious.

Chris, Thank you for your positivity and for being such an ally to your coworkers.

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Center Industries Corporation Winner: Walter L. Burdg | Supervisor

Walter’s kindness comes in many forms. He’s helped set up a wheelchair ramp at someone’s home while they recovered from surgery and assisted another co-worker with compression wraps on evenings and weekends. If someone is without transportation, they can always catch a ride with Walter. As a supervisor he is a great teacher and instills confidence in others. He goes out of his way to help his co-workers realize their potential.

Walter, thank you for serving as an example of compassion and leadership for your team.

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About the Award

Jack Jonas, CPRF Founder, dedicated his life’s work to serving and advocating for an underrepresented population, creating an organization based around the principle that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, has the right to an education, a career, and independence.

In honor of Jack’s legacy and spirit, CPRF established the Jack Jonas Spirit Award to recognize three employees each year who have shown dedication to the CPRF mission and who truly have a heart for those we serve.

The award winners receive a commemorative plaque and a check for $1,000 each.

All CPRF, CIC, and BTCO employees are eligible for the award.