December 2014 - As the annual Futures Staff Holiday Party drew to a close, Tom Kohmetscher, Futures' president/CEO invited the audience to direct their attention to the video screen for the final award of the night. Several members of the award recipient's family secretly filed into the back of the Knights of Columbus Hall to watch the video, which would reveal Molly Craig, case manager, had won the award.

The Matthew Washington Award is named after a staff member who had endeared himself to Futures employees, the individuals served, as well as the community through his passion for the work done at Futures, for his belief in the abilities of those served, and for the way he whole-heartedly embraced and believed in the Futures mission. Sadly, Matthew Washington passed away in 1998 but his legacy lives on at Futures. A building was named after him shortly after his death and annually an award is given to a Futures staff member who exhibits similar qualities, which are hallmarks for an exceptional Futures employee.

The video features a heart-warming synopsis of the kind of person Matthew Washington was when he was alive and how he worked at Futures procuring contracts for the individuals with disabilities that Futures supports, so they could learn work skills and earn a paycheck. It emphasizes the kind of person Matthew was and why he made such an indelible mark on Futures.

Then the video unveils Molly Craig as the winner and features testimonials from those who know her best. Molly is said to be the glue that holds things together. She is always smiling, and earned this award for her wonderful sense of humor and for the relationships she cultivates as she goes about her job as case manager for individuals with disabilities.

These traits are what Futures seeks to keep alive by giving out a Matthew Washington Award each year to an individual nominated by Futures employees. Please watch the video by clicking HERE.