Human Services Center of Lawrence County presented Operation Outward Reach with its Distinguished Service Award for 2005,on October 17 in New Castle. Above, Dennis Nebel, HSC Executive Director and Marlene Stoddard, HSC Board President display the engraved award plate with Dana Christy, OOR Mercer Site Manager and Ray Thompson, OOR President.

Over the past 11 years, OOR Mercer has worked on five properties, creating 36 housing units for HSC clients. OOR’s involvement in the projects has made it possible for clients to live in decent, affordable housing, while saving approximately $260,000 in costs. The citation reads in part: “....in recognition of OOR ’s contribution to the Human Services Center and the positive impact that contribution has made on the lives of the mentally ill.”