The following news articles pertain to Meridian Services, Zenith Services, and Orion Associates 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.

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.

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

Our Fifth Annual Celebration of Cultural Diversity

March 2007

“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.

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.