POLAND – Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Brenda Harvey told dozens of employees of the Progress Center on Friday that despite significant challenges over the years, the local Norway agency has continued to do great things for their clientele and the community.

“You have reached out to your community,” said Harvey of the work the human resource center does in Norway and beyond.

Harvey appeared at the Progress Center’s annual Staff Fun Day at the Poland Spring Inn and Resort as part of a daylong series of speakers, awards, recognition and team-building events.

“Our employees feel committed to the agency,” Executive Director Deb Anthony said prior to Harvey’s speech. “We’re poised to do great things during the next few years.”

The Progress Center on Cottage Street in downtown Norway is a nonprofit multiservice organization that promotes independence and personal freedom for individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental health issues through various programs including job development, community integration and daily living activities, plus residential services. The center, which has been operating for about 30 years, has both an adult and child component.

“We have significant challenges to continue to move the system forward,” Harvey said.

Terry Cole of Paris, an employee for almost two years, said the mission of the center is “adding quality to other people’s lives. Fellow employee Larry Jordan of Hartford, said the work is not just a job.

“I love these people,” agreed Cathy Brown of West Sumner of the scores of consumers the center reaches each day.

Lucky Hollander, DHHS director of legislative relations, said her office receives as many as 26,000 e-mails a week. “We are really trying to do the best we can. People don’t know what champions you are,” she said to the staff of the Progress Center.

Priscilla Brunette who was recognized for her work in support services called the agency “the best-kept secret in the area.”

“It’s a privilege to work here. I don’t work directly with the consumers, but I have such respect for them. I so believe in what you do,” she said to her co-workers.

The center has seen some difficult times during its existence, including financial problems at the state level which resulted in a one-time payday delay for the Progress Center staff.

Also in attendance at Friday’s event were state Reps. Sawin Millett, R-Waterford, and Larry Sirois, D-Turner, as well as Ron Raymond, chairman of the Progress Center Board of Directors.

Diane Jackson spoke briefly on behalf of U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe as did Carlene Tremblay, who spoke on behalf of U.S. Sen. Susan Collins.

Other speakers included the Rev. Don Mayberry, minister at the First Congregational Church in Norway, who talked about leaders and mission and the work the Progress Center does.