Ädelbrook Employee Awarded TANGO Rising Star Scholarship at Yard Goats Nonprofit Night
Hartford, CT-- An Ädelbrook employee was presented with a Rising Star Scholarship by The Alliance for Nonprofit Growth & Opportunity (TANGO) during Nonprofit Night at the Hartford Yard Goats recognizing his professional growth and commitment to the children and families he works with.
Roni Odediran, who joined the organization after moving to the United States from Nigeria, began his career in a part-time direct support role in residential care. At the time he had very little experience in behavioral health or autism services. Since then, he has advanced from per diem work to full-time employment and now serves in a supervisory role overseeing direct support professionals across multiple residential homes.
According to TANGO, the rising star scholarship is awarded to “an individual who has demonstrated a pattern of success and passion for the work they perform.” Candidates are nominated by employers who are TANGO members.
Roni was recognized not only for his dedication to his kids and staff, but also for his strength in remaining “calm and effective under pressure,” as mentioned in the application submitted by both the Senior Director for Residential Treatment and Medical Services, and the Chief Clinical Officer at Ädelbrook.
“I was like, what? I didn’t apply for this...I was shocked, I had no idea,” said Roni.
The recognition came as a surprise after he was told by CEO Alyssa Goduti while on shift that he had won the scholarship, initially thinking that he had done something wrong. He credits his colleagues and supervisors with giving him the guidance and confidence to continue his work.
Roni says that while this award brings him recognition, it also gives him great responsibility to continue the work he’s been doing and to take it a step further.
“It gives me much more zeal to want to continue what I’m doing,” he says.
In addition to his work at Ädelbrook, Roni is currently enrolled in an online program at Western Connecticut State University as he works toward becoming a board-certified behavioral analyst (BCBA).
Ädelbrook said Roni’s recognition reflects the organizations commitment to investing in its staff and supporting career growth through mentorship, training, and opportunity. His journey from entry level employee to emerging leader underscored the value of professional development with the nonprofit work force.
The TANGO foundation’s mission is to help groom the next generation of nonprofit leadership.
Ädelbrook is a 125-year-old nonprofit multi-service agency specializing in behavioral and developmental services. Ädelbrook is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of families and individuals of all ages and abilities, with expertise in supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders. From individualized education services to residential and therapeutic supports, Ädelbrook provides a high-quality continuum of care to meet the ever-changing needs of the amazing children and individuals it supports. Through collaboration, both internally and externally, Ädelbrook provides expert, comprehensive, data-driven, person-centered services with compassion. By building trust in a safe and nurturing environment Ädelbrook helps those it serves find a future filled with achievement, dignity, happiness, and hope. To learn more about Ädelbrook please visit www.adelbrook.org.