Candice Kunneh (right) receives her award from MAB Program Support Director Silvia Borges.
PHOTO/DARLENE DEVITA PHOTOGRAPHY

Candice Kunneh was recognized as a recipient of a 2023 Maxo Joseph Excellence in Direct Care Award from MAB Community Services, a leading social service agency supporting over 1,500 individuals with visual impairment, intellectual and developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries across Massachusetts. Kunneh, who received a $2,000 award, was saluted along with 11 other honorees at a ceremony and luncheon at MAB’s headquarters in Brookline on July 13.

“Candice Kunneh is recognized for her unwavering support of participants at MAB’s group home in Hopkinton, helping them to lead fulfilling, active lives,” MAB announced in a press release. “As assistant residential director since 2022, Candice lets participants take the lead in building their own skills, like learning to cook lasagna. She emphasizes spending time in the community, abiding by the mantra, ‘A happy house is an empty house. Living is outside. Let’s get out of here.’

“Candice also prioritizes participants’ interests, letting them choose how to spend their time. It doesn’t matter if it’s a drive through the countryside or choir practice; Candice’s only consideration is participants’ joy.”

“The entire Central Massachusetts team is proud of Candice for her achievement,” said Silvia Borges, program support director at MAB. “She has made such an impression on the participants of her group home in the short time that she has been there and always prioritizes making sure they are active and happy.”

Established in 2021, the awards honor direct care staff in MAB’s Adult Disability Services division who go above and beyond in their commitment to the participants they support. Their dedication reflects the legacy of Maxo Joseph, an exceptional caregiver and colleague who passed away in 2020.

Out of 28 nominees, 12 direct care staff received awards this year, representing MAB group homes across Greater Boston and Central Massachusetts. Honorees are chosen by a committee consisting of MAB staff, community supporters and family members of the participants the nominees serve.