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Judge Paul Knierim, Probate Court Administrator, Attorney Michael Mackniak and Judge Fred Anthony
Attorney Michael Mackniak honored for his work on behalf of people living with mental illness |
Naugatuck, CT, May 6, 2015 - Michael Mackniak Esq., founder and chief operating officer of Guardian Ad Litem Services, was selected by the National College of Probate Judges as the recipient of the 2015 "Isabella Award." The award recognizes individual achievement for innovation, impact and leadership in the field of conservatorship. It is named in memory of prominent San Francisco probate judge The Honorable Isabella Horton. A recognition dinner was held during the College's spring conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Newport, RI last weekend.
Guardian, based in Naugatuck, is a statewide nonprofit that improves the lives of people living with mental illness. The organization’s flagship program, Melissa's Project, offers services to ensure the care, safety and wellbeing of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. Guardian collaborates with Connecticut's Probate Courts and the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to produce in improved quality of life for these individuals and their families.
"The NCPJ is pleased to honor Michael Mackniak and Guardian Ad Litem Services for his outstanding work and achievement in the field of guardianship and conservatorship. His organization's work embodies both the spirit and letter of the "Isabella Horton Grant award," said Hon. Fred J. Anthony, Board President of the NCPJ. "It is our hope that this award will not only recognize the important work that Mr. Mackniak does, but further inspire him and others to continue such successful efforts to allow those under conservatorship to work towards independent, productive and fulfilling lives."
In 2002, Mackniak developed The Guardian Model as a way to empower people living with depression, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders. Melissa's Project, has produced significant decreases in hospitalizations, arrests, incarcerations and emergency room visits for Guardian clients. The model also reduces care costs for individuals and state agencies.
"I'd like to congratulate Guardian Ad Litem Services and Chief Operating Officer Michael Mackniak on receiving NCPJ's Isabella award," Connecticut Probate Court Administrator Paul J. Knierim said. "Conservatorship cases involving individuals with mental illness are among the more challenging matters we handle in the Probate Courts. Guardian has given our judges additional tools to ensure that the court process is effective for these individuals and their families as they seek to live to their fullest potential."
Following the Newtown school tragedy, Guardian received a significant funding increase from The State of Connecticut to coordinate care for more people living with psychiatric challenges. Guardian doubled in size in order to monitor and coordinate care for more clients throughout Connecticut.
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