On Friday, October 4th, Joe Boyle, Site Manager at BPSQ, was presented the Justin T. Schram Memeorial Award at the Length of Service Ceremony held at Peace Valley Park. The BARC Developmental Services Foundation created the award in 2016 as a means to recognize exceptional contributions by an associate to the agency. It was created to honor the memory of Justin T. Schram who passed away on January 5, 2016. Justin is the beloved son of BARC’s long-time former Executive Director, Dr. Robert H. Schram. Justin was an avid musician, bandleader, psycho-therapist, and certified K-6 teacher in New Jersey and Colorado. Justin was dedicated to helping others. The Justin T. Schram Award is sponsored by U.S. Medical Staffing Inc. and Trinity Asset Protection.
The following is the nomination ballot submitted by Elaine Witman, Site Manager:
There isn’t anything Joe won’t do! You can go to Joe for advice on how to solve problems; filling in to aide in covering a 1:1 individual when short staffed; providing lunch and/or front desk coverage; or, just providing coverage wherever he is needed. He maintains the garden and flowers (which he pays for himself) in order to enhance the appearance of BPS-Q. Whenever necessary, Joe assists in setting up the individuals’ lunches; assures the water in the facility is suitable for drinking by making sure the chemicals are tested daily. Joe will also load and unload trucks; when there was no one available to do our contract deliveries and pickups, Joe stepped in as truck driver for approximately a year and he still maintains certification to drive our BARC truck. Joe serves as an important advocate for procuring jobs/contract work for our individuals and provides time studies to bid on perspective jobs. As a leader, Joe does not micro-manage but is always there to assure his staff are meeting their expectations and assist, or correct, whenever needed.
Joe is quite knowledgeable in many areas and will always have an answer to your questions or offer information to enable staff to perform more accurately and proficiently. The individuals often seek Joe’s input and enjoy talking with Joe because, no matter how busy, he takes the time to engage in whatever conversation they may be having. Joe is a well-rounded person and has served BARC in many capacities, including as a photographer at company events or helping in the preparation and set up for a company event. Joe can be counted on to be there and do whatever he can to aide in making any event a success. Joe does his best to provide a pleasant, joyful atmosphere for the individuals at BPS-Q, even if it means we have to listen to his never ending “shake your head/roll your eyes” jokes; and, if doesn’t have a joke, he is sure to ask Alexa for a ‘cat’ joke. Joe is most likely the last person to leave the building at night to assure the day’s tasks are completed.
Joe has often paid for snacks/treats or even full lunches for the staff to show his appreciation for his staff, and, has several times, changed flat tires, or helped a staff get their car started. Joe is surely someone we all at BPS-Q have come to depend on daily and know Joe will be there for each and every one of us. Joe is not only our Site Manager but, more importantly, the foundation of BPS-Q. Congratulations, Joe! Well deserved!
