Wilmette resident Stuart Ferst receives lifetime achievement award for contributions in field of disability rights

CHICAGO (October 20, 2003) — Wilmette resident Stuart Ferst, President and CEO of Anixter Center, one of the largest nonprofit organizations in Chicago assisting individuals with disabilities, was awarded a prestigious lifetime achievement award from the Council for Disability Rights, a Chicago-based organization committed to advancing the rights and enhancing lives of people with disabilities. The “Keeper of Eternal Vigilance Award” was presented to Ferst by his longtime colleague and executive vice president of Anixter Center , Skokie resident Cathy Lorber, Ph.D., at an October 17 event held at the Chicago Hilton and Towers.

In presenting the honor to Ferst, Lorber said, “Over the 40 years he has worked in the field of disability rights, Stuart’s leadership and vision have shaped an organization that continues to grow in depth, expertise and breadth of service, as well as stature. Stuart’s résumé illustrates the accomplishments of a man whose commitment to the rights of people with disabilities – and his personal dedication to live out Anixter Center’s mission of assisting them in living and work successfully in the community – is unquestioned by all who know him.”

To illustrate Ferst’s tenacity and leadership ability, Lorber said, “During this past year – an extremely difficult one for community-based human services agencies in Illinois , Stuart helped spearhead the charge to protect critical funding levels. In response to the threatened budget cut of April 2003, he took a lead role in proactive lobbying – before the state budget was announced in April – and served as a role model for both employees and clients of Anixter Center in speaking out against the threatened cuts.”

During his distinguished career, Ferst has participated in numerous professional organizations and has received several honors for his contributions, including the Don Burke Award for Executive Excellence from the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, the Management Excellence Award from the National Council of Work Centers, the Francine Bernstein Award for Lifetime Achievement for Service to People with Disabilities from Blare, Inc. and the New City YMCA LEED Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

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The mission of the Lester and Rosalie Anixter Center is to assist people with disabilities to live and work successfully in the community. Anixter Center is a leading provider of high-quality vocational, residential and educational options, substance abuse prevention and treatment, and health care. Anixter Center is an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities to be full and equal members of the community.