The Association of Brethren Caregivers recognized recipients of the agency’s annual caregiving awards during ABC's Recognition Dinner at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Cleveland, Ohio.

Attorney Jefferson Crosby of Lititz, Pa., was recognized for a career spent as an attorney advocating for children and individuals with disabilities. He has done so in spite of battling his own illness -- progressive multiple sclerosis. In spite of his mobility difficulities, Jeff has remained an active member of the Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. He has served on various committees and actively participated in Sunday school. Jeff was able to share his knowledge with the congregation when it did a major renovation to make the Lititz church fully handicap accessible. As his own health deteriorated, Jeff continued to provide insightful and essential guidance on the work of the Disabilities Ministry of ABC and contributed greatly to the "Resolution on the Americans with Disabilties Act" that was unanimously endorsed by the delegates at the 2006 Annual Conference.

John Wenger received a Caregivers Award in recognition of his many contributions to the mental health and well-being of the church. John has served two terms on the ABC Board, offered his counseling expertise to participants at Annual Conference and National Youth Conferences since the 1980s and served on the Voice Ministry of ABC, where he provided support and education for many years. John’s expertise and faith commitment have also led him to leadership within the Anderson (Ind.) Church and the South/Central Indiana District.

ABC honored the late Tim Hissong, formerly the CEO and president of Brethren Retirement Community of Greenville, Ohio. During his tenure with Brethren Retirement Community, Tim served first as vice president of Finance and treasurer and most recently as CEO and president. He was very active in the Happy Corner Church of the Brethren and had served on the Southern Ohio District Board and as district moderator. He also served on the board of Woodland Altars, the district’s camp.

Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren received the “Open Roof” award for its work on accessibility for people with disabilities. After two years of work and $3.7 million in renovations, the Lititz church is now fully compliant with the American with Disabilities Act. The nursery and kitchenette in the children's department are handicap accessible.

The nursery and kitchenette in the children’s department are handicap assessible. A ramp to the pulpit was put in place so all could help lead worship or sing in the choir. Renovations are complete but the church continues to make improvements. Most recently, automatic door openers were installed on the front and back entrances to the building. Some of the new inside signs are also in Braille.

Large-print hymnals and bulletins are available for those with vision impairments. Hearing devices are also available for the sanctuary sound system. Wheelchairs are available and users have access to all areas of the church. The congregation has trained its greeters and ushers to be aware of and helpful to individuals with disabilities. Deacons and the Christian Education Committee also discuss ways to accommodate special needs as they arise.