On Sunday, October 18, The Center for Discovery (The Center) awarded Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay the Senator Thomas P. Morahan Lifetime Achievement Award. This annual accolade recognizes individuals whose leadership, compassion and commitment have made a profound difference in the lives of others.  

This year’s award was presented during The Center’s Harvest Festival Weekend, which included the 2026 Harvest Festival, the Food Is Medicine Dinner and the presentation of the Green Shovel Award to New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul. The Green Shovel Award was accepted on the governor’s behalf by New York State Budget Director and Sullivan County native Blake Washington.  

“I am honored to have received this recognition from an organization that continues to innovate and inspire through every ambition they pursue,” Kay said. “Thank you to Dr. Hamlin and her team at The Center for their dedication, hard work, and contributions to the Sullivan County community. The Center’s work pushes the limits and redefines areas of care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the new Transitional Living Community is a testament to their consistency and compassion. This facility will address a critical gap in care for aging adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and medical frailty, and in doing so, save lives and serve as a shining example for health care agencies across the state.” 

“Paula Kay understands the needs of our families and the importance of having a strong voice advocating for rural communities—like Sullivan County,” said Dr. Terry Hamlin, president and CEO of The Center. “Her unwavering support has helped us advance critical initiatives, including our new Transitional Living Community. Paula recognizes that behind every project and every funding request are real people and families whose lives will be changed for the better.”    

The Center’s lifetime achievement award is named in honor of the late Sen. Morahan. He chaired the Senate Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities and had a deep interest in assisting those with developmental disabilities. 

The Center for Discovery grew from a series of parent meetings in 1948 to a world-renowned facility, servicing 1,700 adults and children, serving 1,900 meals a day, using 100 percent renewable energy, and 300-plus acres of organic and biodynamic farming. It is Sullivan County’s largest employer, had an economic impact on the New York State of $3.1 billion from 2010-25, and is a nationwide leader in improving lives for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Center for Discovery
Sullivan County, NY