The following news articles pertain to Orion Associates, Meridian
Services, Zenith Services and Orion ISO.
Rebecca Hage Thomley Featured in a MinnesotaBusiness Magazine Article Regarding “Servant Leadership” and Headwaters Relief Organization
March 2010
Rebecca Hage Thomley, our organization’s Chief Executive Officer, was featured in the March 2010 edition of MinnesotaBusiness magazine, discussing her “servant leadership” approach to life and how it led to her founding and leading Headwaters Relief Organization in its ongoing work in New Orleans.
Headwater Relief Organization’s “River of Hope” Project Featured in the Trauma Psychology Journal of the American Psychological Association
December 2009
An article titled “River of Hope: A Haven of Help in a Storm Devastated Ninth Ward” appeared in the Fall 2009 Trauma Psychology Journal of the American Psychological Association. The article was co-authored by Dr. Priscilla Dass-Brailsford, of Georgetown University and Rebecca Thomley, of Orion Associates. The article discussed the initiation of the “River of Hope” project in the fall of 2005, after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, as well as the ongoing work of the organization’s Walk-in Mental Health Center in the Upper Ninth Ward of the city.
Headwater Relief Organization’s “River of Hope” Returns to New Orleans
November 2009
Headwaters Relief Organization, “River of Hope” project volunteers returned and continued their re-building work in New Orleans’s Ninth Ward over the weekend before Thanksgiving. Forty volunteers including principles from two Minnesota based construction companies, Tech Builders, Incorporated and TDB Builders, Incorporated, worked to restore a community building to be used for a children’s resource center.
The Orion Building’s Designation as a LEED Gold Building Featured in Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal
October 2009
The Orion Building’s designation as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold building was featured in Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal’s October 9, 2009 edition. The article recognized the importance of LEED certification, but noted the number of buildings becoming LEED certified has grown so significantly in recent years so as no longer to be an unusual news story.
Members of Orion Associates Top Administration Featured in Concordia St. Paul Magazine
September 2009
Rebecca Thomley, our organization’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Hage, Chief Administrative Officer, Cheryl Vennerstrom, Chief Operating Officer, and Leann Thompson, senior Executive Administrator, were featured in the Fall 2009 issue of Concordia St. Paul magazine, published by Concordia University, Saint Paul, Minnesota.
The “River of Hope” Mental Health Resource Center in Operation in New Orleans
August 2009
The “River of Hope” Mental Health Resource Center was originally operated in 2007 by “River of Hope” volunteers and funded by private donations. In December 2008, the Resource Center received a grant from the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Community Based and Rural Health Programs. The Resource Center offers free walk-in mental health support.
Orion Associates Featured in Twin Cities Business Magazine
July 2009
Orion Associates was featured in the July 2009 issue of Twin Cities Business magazine, in recognition of our organization’s having received the Psychologically Healthy Workplace award from the Minnesota Psychological Association. Orion Associates was one of three Minnesota companies recognized for “paying attention to employees’ mental health.” Specifically, Orion was noted for its volunteer efforts and for its human resources policies and practices.
Morning Star Financial Services’ Promotional Video Posted on YouTube
July 2009
Morning Star Financial Services has posted a new promotional video on YouTube, with the goal of promoting Morning Star its services to families and states nationwide.
Orion Associates, Meridian Services, and Zenith Services are Awarded Another Three-Year CARF Accreditation!
June 2009
We are pleased to announce that CARF, the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission, has reaccredited Orion Associates, Meridian Services, and Zenith Services for another three years! This is the second reaccreditation awarded to our organization.
This outcome represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows an organization’s substantial conformance to the standards established by CARF. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation outcome has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit that its programs and services are of the highest quality, measurable and accountable.
Orion Associates, Meridian Services, and Zenith Services Corporate Office Achieves LEED Gold Certification
June 2009
We are pleased to announce that our organization’s Golden Valley corporate office building has achieved LEED Gold Certification.
Rebecca Hage Thomley Featured in a StarTribune.com Article Regarding Financial Stress
May 2009
Rebecca Hage Thomley was quoted in a recent StarTribune.com article, by Kara McGuire, Columnist, offering advice to those experiencing financial stress during the current economic crisis. Rebecca Hage Thomley, who is a Clinical Psychologist, is also the Chief Executive Officer of Orion Associates, Meridian Services, Zenith
Services, and Orion Intermediary Services Organization.
Our Organization Featured in MinnesotaBusiness Magazine
April 2009
Our organization was featured on the MinnesotaBusiness web site, discussing our organization’s commitment to the health and wellness of its employees as represented by our ongoing commitment to volunteerism, our organization’s having received a Psychologically Healthy Workplace award, and our goal to achieve LEED certification for our corporate office building.
Our Annual Celebration of Cultural Diversity!
April 2009
On Tuesday, April 14th, Orion Associates, Meridian Services, and Zenith Services hosted its annual Celebration of Cultural Diversity. For the first time, we were able to hold the event in our new conference / training rooms at the Metropolitan Office in Golden Valley.
Headwaters Relief Organization Responds to the Threat of Red River Flooding
March 2009
Headwaters Relief Organization sent a group of six volunteers to the Fargo / Moorhead area on March 27th and March 28th, in response to the threat of Red River flooding in the region. While there, the volunteers worked on the sandbagging efforts.
Headwaters Relief Organization Hosts a “Bouncing Back From Job Loss” Event
March 2009
Headwaters Relief Organization hosted a community outreach event, titled “Bouncing Back From Job Loss” at the organization’s offices in Golden Valley, on March 19, 2009.
In response to significant numbers of people facing job loss, Headwaters invited the public to attend this event, which was intended to offer answers on the tactical aspects of job hunting, including answers such questions as, “How do I find a job?” and “How do I get a job?” as well as the emotional aspects of job hunting, “How am I going to get through this?” Being able to manage both issues well is critical to finding work as quickly as possible. The event brought together nationally-recognized talent and tactics to give job seekers the tools they need to succeed in their job hunt.
Orion Associates Receives a National Best Practices Honor From the American Psychological Association
March 2009
Orion Associates received a Best Practices Honor from the American Psychological Association (APA) at the annual Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards ceremony held on March 1, 2009, in Washington, D.C. Orion was recognized for its work encouraging and supporting volunteerism among its employees and its mission to serve communities in need.
Orion Associates is Recognized as a “Great Place to Work” in Minnesota Monthly Magazine
January 2009
Orion Associates was recognized as a “Great Place to Work” in an article in Minnesota Monthly magazine, in January 2009. Orion Associates was cited as one of forty-eight Minnesota companies that offered unique or exceptional benefits to their employees.
Headwaters Relief Organization Featured in Forbes Magazine
January 2009
Headwaters Relief Organization was recognized in an article in Forbes Magazine, on January 12, 2009. The article described the organization's founding, by Dr. Rebecca Thomley, with the River of Hope project, as a response to the devastation to New Orleans and the surrounding areas caused by Hurricane Katrina. The article goes on to describe Headwaters' development from being a response to this disaster to becoming an organization that responds to disasters and to need wherever it may occur. The article cites Headwaters' response to disasters in Iowa, Minnesota, and in response to the I-35W bridge collapse.
Orion Associates and Rebecca Thomley Featured in a Star Tribune Business Article by Dick Youngblood
December 2008
Orion Associates and Rebecca Thomley were recognized in a business article, in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, by business writer Dick Youngblood, on December 9, 2008. The article details the growth and diversification of Orion Associates and its related companies, including Meridian Services, Zenith Services, and Orion Intermediary Services Organization, notes the organization’s volunteer efforts, and credits Rebecca Thomley’s dynamic leadership in making it happen.
Our Goal of Achieving LEED Certification for Our Office Building Noted in the Golden Valley City News
November 2008
Our organization’s goal of achieving LEED Certification for our Golden Valley office building was noted in the Golden Valley City News, in their November / December 2008 edition..
A River of Hope Returns to New Orleans in Response to Hurricane Gustav and to Conduct a Mental Health Resource Fair
September 2008
Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana was hit hard by Hurricane Gustav on September 1, 2008. The people of that region were out of power for several weeks and had limited access to supplies. The roads where flooded limiting who could come in and out of the area. Almost three years after the River of Hope's first relief trip, a team of twelve volunteers returned to New Orleans, over the weekend of September 19th through the 21st, to respond to this disaster.
Headwaters Relief Organization Returns to South Eastern Minnesota to Aid in Rebuilding Efforts
September 2008
Headwaters Relief Organization returned to South Eastern Minnesota, over the weekend of September 12th to the 14th, to aid in the rebuilding efforts that continue a year after the floods that caused widespread destruction throughout the region.
Our Organization Noted for its “Open Environment” Policies
“Kids and Dogs” in the Workplace
August 2008
Orion Associates, Meridian Services and Zenith Services strive to create a work environment that is friendly and welcoming towards its employees and supportive of their personal lives. As a part of that effort, the organization has established an “Open Work Environment" policy (the policy text included below) that allows employees to have their children and pets in the workplace, within certain guidelines.
Headwaters Relief Organization Hosts the "Resilience in the Aftermath of Disaster" Event
July 2008
Headwaters Relief Organization hosted the “Resilience in the Aftermath of Disaster” event at the organization’s offices, on July 31, 2008, to mark the first anniversary of the I-35W bridge collapse.
The primary focus of the event was to assist those who have struggled in the aftermath of the I-35W bridge collapse and other weather-related events, such as the Hugo tornado and flooding in southeastern Minnesota. The event was designed to help and support, not only those who were directly involved in a traumatic event, but those who were indirectly involved, including those who helped others or had a loved one who was involved in an event./p>
Headwaters Relief Organization Responds to the Flooding in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
June through July 2008
On June 12, 2008, the rain-swollen Cedar River poured over its banks into the homes and businesses of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The resulting devastation was overwhelming. It was estimated that one hundred blocks of Cedar Rapids, including four thousand homes, were under water. The flooding was above 500 year levels, in what the National Weather Service called a “historic hydrological event.”
In response to this disaster, Headwaters Relief Organization called for volunteers and organized six trips with a total of fifty volunteers who gave of their time, energy and enthusiasm to serve the people of Cedar Rapids, from late June through the end of July.
Open House Held to Celebrate Our Office Building's Renovation and Expansion
June 2008
Orion Associates, Meridian Services and Zenith Services held an Open House on June 12, 2008 to celebrate the completion of the renovation and expansion of our offices in the Orion Building, at 9400 Golden Valley Road, in Golden Valley, Minnesota.
The Open House was attended by consumers, their families, and our employees, as well as by our colleagues in the Human Services field, people with whom we do business, and representatives from the Counties and State. In addition to offering tours of the building and refreshments to our guests, we provided games and activities for the children.
Cheryl Vennerstrom Recognized by More Magazine, on More.com, as an “Inspiring Friend”
June 2008
Cheryl Vennerstrom, Chief Operating Officer, Orion Associates, was recognized by More magazine, on More.com, as an “Inspiring Friend.” Cheryl was nominated by Rebecca Thomley, Chief Executive Officer, Orion Associates.
Orion Associates Receives a “Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award”
April 2008
Orion Associates was one of five Minnesota organizations to receive a “Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award,” presented by the Minnesota Psychological Association.
Rebecca Hage Thomley Receives the Minnesota Psychological Association’s “Community Involvement Award”
April 2008
Rebecca Hage Thomley, Orion Associates’ Chief Executive Officer, received a “Community Involvement Award” from the Minnesota Psychological Association, on April 25, 2008, in recognition of her work in founding and leading the River of Hope project and for her efforts in the creation of the Headwaters Relief Organization.
“A River of Hope” Returns to New Orleans Two Years After Our First Relief Trip
November 2007
Zenith Services volunteers returned to New Orleans with the “A River of Hope” project, over Thanksgiving weekend, November 24-27, 2007 to assist with the ongoing rebuilding efforts in the city. This trip was undertaken on the second anniversary of our first trip to the Ninth Ward and was our ninth large group trip to New Orleans taken since Hurricane Katrina devastated a large part of the Gulf coast.
Rebecca Thomley Honored as Community Outreach Person of the Year
November 2007
Dr. Rebecca Thomley was honored as the Community Outreach Person of the Year, by the American Red Cross, Twin Cities Chapter.
The Headwaters Volunteer Project Emerges from the “A River of Hope” Project, and Volunteers Assist With the Recovery Efforts in Rushford Minnesota
September 2007
The Headwaters service volunteer project is the newly incorporated service organization of the Orion Associates, Meridian Services, Zenith Services, Orion Intermediary Services Organization family of companies. As a non-profit volunteer organization, Headwaters’ goal will be to continue the work begun by “A River of Hope,” providing a means to bring volunteers to serve at future disasters, in other locations, as the need arises.
Over Labor Day weekend 2007, volunteers experienced in Rushford, Minnesota work that was very similar to our efforts in New Orleans after Katarina; gutting homes, cleaning up debris, and responding to families in need.
The Two Year Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina: “A River of Hope” Volunteers Make Eighth Trip to New Orleans
September 2007
Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans over two years later, yet some areas of New Orleans remain devastated and abandoned. There is still a staggering amount of work that needs to be to be done. The “River of Hope” project volunteers responded to this need by returning to New Orleans for an eighth major relief trip, to assist with the rebuilding efforts, over the weekend of September 14th to 17th.
Rebecca Hage Thomley Chosen as “A Woman to Watch”
July 2007
The Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal chose Rebecca Thomley, Chief Executive Officer of Orion Associates and its affiliated companies, as “A Woman to Watch” in their July 2007 “Women in Business” issue. She was honored at a luncheon sponsored by the publication at the Minneapolis Hilton Hotel on July 25, 2007.
Our Fifth Annual Celebration of Cultural Diversity
March 2007
Our organization's consumers and employees gathered together,
once again, as Orion Associates, Meridian Services and Zenith
Services held its Fifth Annual Celebration of Cultural Diversity,
on March 12th, at the Maple Grove Community Center, in Maple
Grove.
“A River of Hope” Construction
Crews Return to New Orleans
March 2007
“A River of Hope” volunteers returned to New
Orleans over the weekend of March 3rd through the 6th, to
assist with the ongoing rebuilding efforts in the city. This
was our seventh trip to New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina
devastated a large part of the Gulf coast. While our organization
was well represented by nine of our employees, the majority
of thirty-two volunteers were building professionals who
worked on rebuilding a number of community structures in
the Ninth Ward. Fourteen of the volunteers were returning
to New Orleans and eight were volunteering for the first
time. The businesses and educational institution represented
included Glacier Plumbing, of Cedar, Minnesota, Tech
Builders, Pratt
Homes, and Dunwoody
Institute.
“Groove Thing” Opens at the
Mall of America
January 2007
We would like to announce that “Groove
Thing,” a new attraction in the Park at the Mall of
America, is our organization’s latest project!
“Groove Thing” is a video entertainment
system that utilizes high tech video equipment. Customers
can select from a wide variety of music videos and our staff
record them with their larger than life heads superimposed
on dancing bodies. The experience is a lot of fun for everyone
and the customers get to take home a hilarious DVD.
“A River of Hope” Opens a
Free Mental Health Resources Center
January 2007
“A River of Hope” has opened a
free Mental Health Resource Center in the Ninth Ward of New
Orleans, in January, to meet the needs of residents recovering
from the impact of Hurricane Katrina. The center is staffed
by volunteer social workers from Minnesota as well as national
mental health professionals.
A Year After Our First Trip, “A
River of Hope” Returns to New Orleans to Help with
Hurricane Katrina Clean Up and Rebuilding
November 2006
The “River of Hope” volunteers
returned to New Orleans for a sixth time, over the weekend
of November 18th through the 21st, to continue to assist
with the ongoing clean up and rebuilding efforts in the city.
This was the largest of the “River of Hope” trips,
and included sixty-seven volunteers.
As the Deadline Approaches, “A River of Hope” Returns
to New Orleans to Help with Hurricane Katrina Clean Up
August 2006
Our “River of Hope” volunteers returned to
New Orleans in early August to continue to assist with the
clean up and rebuilding efforts in the Ninth Ward, east New
Orleans, and Saint Bernard’s Parish. This was the organization’s
fifth trip to the region.
“A River of Hope” Relief Project: Orion
Associates, Meridian Services and Zenith Services Employees
Return to New Orleans to Help with Hurricane Katrina Clean
Up Over Fathers’ Day Weekend
June 2006
Joined by general contractors, plumbers, and electricians,
our “River of Hope” volunteers traveled to New
Orleans over Father’s Day weekend to assist with the
clean up and rebuilding efforts in the Ninth Ward and Saint
Bernard’s Parish. This was our organization’s
fourth trip to the region.
“A River of Hope” Relief Project:
The Work Continues
June 2006
Long after the flood has subsided, the work
continues. A River of Hope Relief Project is well
defined in the following article, written by Beth Schoeppler.
Bringing
A River of Hope *
(Adobe PDF Format - 295kb)
*Requires Adobe Reader. 
 HEROINES
by Jila
Nikpay
Photographs and Poetry
March 2006
Heroines is a inspiring collection of black & white portraits and poetry that illuminates the trials and spiritual transformation of 21 Minnesota women who have faced breast cancer. Nikpay’s compelling verse reflects her Persian influence in which contradictions and opposing emotions are celebrated as part wisdom and intuitive knowledge.
Orion
Associates, Meridian Services, and Zenith
Services are Awarded Another Three-Year
CARF Accreditation!
March 2006
We are pleased to announce
that CARF, the Rehabilitation Accreditation
Commission, has reaccredited Orion Associates,
Meridian Services, and Zenith Services
for another three years!
“A River of Hope” Relief
Project: Our Organization is Joined by
Community Volunteers and United States
Senator Mark Dayton as We Return to New
Orleans for a Third Time to Help with Hurricane
Katrina Clean Up
March 2006
Orion Associates, Meridian Services Zenith Services employees returned to New Orleans over the weekend of March 24th through 28th to assist with the clean up and rebuilding efforts in the Ninth Ward and St. Bernard’s Parish. This time, we were joined by volunteer contractors, plumbers, roofers and electricians, as well as by United States Senator Mark Dayton.
“A River of Hope” Relief
Project: Orion Associates, Meridian Services
and Zenith Services Employees Return to
New Orleans to Help with Hurricane Katrina
Clean Up Over the Martin Luther King, Junior
Weekend
January 2006
Orion Associates, Meridian
Services, and Zenith Services sent twenty-five
employees and volunteers to New Orleans’ Ninth
Ward, over the Martin Luther King, Junior
holiday weekend, January 13 to 16, 2006,
to help with ongoing Hurricane Katrina
clean up efforts.
Marya Hage Recognized
as a Minnesota Trendsetter
January 2006
Marya Hage, our organization’s
founder, was recognized as a Minnesota
Trendsetter in the January 2006 edition
of Minnesota Monthly’s semi-annual
profile of the regions leading companies
and their key executives.
“A River of Hope” Relief
Project: Orion Associates, Meridian Services
and Zenith Services Send Employees to New
Orleans to Help with Hurricane Katrina
Clean Up Over Thanksgiving Weekend
November 2005
Orion Associates, Meridian
Services, and Zenith Services sent thirty-five
employees and volunteers to New Orleans’ Ninth
Ward to help with clean up efforts after
Hurricane Katrina, over Thanksgiving weekend,
November 25 to 28, 2005.
Our Fourth Annual Celebration
of Cultural Diversity!
November 2005
On Thursday, November 3rd,
Orion Associates, Meridian Services, and
Zenith Services hosted its fourth annual
Celebration of Cultural Diversity at the
Maple Grove Community Center, in Maple
Grove.
Rebecca
Hage Thomley’s Work with the American
Red Cross Inspires the Founding of “A
River of Hope”
October 2005
Dr. Rebecca Hage Thomley
has been a volunteer with the American
Red Cross for over twelve years. In her
most recent assignment, she was sent to
New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina
to work as a psychologist.
Our Third Annual Celebration of Cultural
Diversity!
February 2005
On Wednesday, February 16th, Orion Associates,
Meridian Services, and Zenith Services hosted its third annual
Celebration of Cultural Diversity. Once again, the celebration
was held at the Maple Grove Community Center, in Maple Grove.
Our Organization Celebrates its Twenty-Fifth
Anniversary
January 2005
January 2005 marks our organization’s
twenty-fifth anniversary! Marya Hage founded Meridian Services,
the company that began our organization, in 1980, as one
of the first Semi-Independent Living Skills (SILS) providers
in Minnesota.
Our Metropolitan Office
Holds an Open House!
May, 2004
Our Metropolitan Office held an Open House on
May 19, 2004 to celebrate the move to our new location.
Our Metropolitan Office
Moves to Golden Valley
November, 2003
We are excited about the many ways our new location
allows us to improve our services. To read more about our
new ammenities, click here.
Our Second Annual Celebration
of Cultural Diversity!
October, 2003
On Wednesday, October 22nd, Orion Associates,
Meridian Services, and Zenith Services hosted a Celebration
of Cultural Diversity
at the Maple Grove Community Center, in Maple Grove.
Orion Associates, Meridian
Services, and Zenith Services are Awarded a Three-Year CARF
Accreditation!
March, 2003
CARF has announced that Orion Associates,
Meridian Services, and Zenith Services have been accredited
for a period of
three
years for its Personal and Social Services (Vocational Services),
Family Services (In-Home Services), and Community Living
Services
(Residential Services and SILS).
Our First Annual Celebration
of Cultural Diversity!
July, 2002
On Wednesday, July 31, 2002, Orion Associates,
Meridian Services, and Zenith Services hosted a Celebration
of Cultural Diversity.
Members of the Organizations’
Top Administration Complete a Graduate Program and Receive
Master of Arts Degrees in Organizational Management
May,
2002
We are pleased to announce that Rebecca Thomley,
our organization’s
Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Hage, our Chief Administrative
Officer, Cheryl Vennerstrom, our Chief Operating Officer,
and Leann Thompson, our senior Program Administrator, completed
their studies in a graduate program at Concordia University,
Saint Paul, Minnesota, and received Master of Arts degrees
in Organizational Management.
Orion Associates Hosts
a Leadership Symposium “Building Community Through
Leadership”
February, 2002
In February 2002, Orion Associates hosted
a leadership symposium entitled, Building Community Through
Leadership.
Marya Hage, our Organization’s
Founder, Serves at the Pentagon after 9/11
September, 2001
Following the September 11th terrorist attack on New York
and Washington, Marya Hage was called to serve at the Pentagon,
and was there from September 16th to September 29th.
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