Dear Billie,
I was saddened to hear about Milt. Although I haven't seen or talked
to him in quite a few years, he continued to be part of my professional
life. I
am now Director of the Work Center at United Cerebral Palsy Association
of
Nassau County, and what I bring to this job and to the field in general
I owe
to the tutelage of Milt Levine. My first job as a Rehabilitation
Counselor was
at the AHRC workshop in Plainview. I remember Milt sitting in his
office at
the end of the workday sharing his thoughts about the program he
directed,
the field in which he was so involved and the lives of the consumers
for whom
he made such a difference. I was a beginner in the field and listened
carefully,
since I felt that what I was listening to was worth hearing. I owe a
part of what
I do on a day-to-day basis to the ideas brought forth during those
memorable
times. (Not to overly state, I also listened to a lot that was worthwile
repeating.)
Looking back I think those were the heydays of vocational
rehabilitation: Milt was
there when it really counted and I came in near the tail end of things.
I appreciate
the fact that he was willing to share his knowledge and friendship with
me. The
lessons he taught were will learned.
I hope that in some way this letter is of comfort to you and your
family. It has
taken me a while to be able to write this to you to express my
condolences and
sympathy since I did not want to "just" send a card but also let you
know that Milt
was a unique individual who touched many lives and who will be missed.
Again, I would like to offer you and your family sincere condolences
from me and
from Hans.
Lois Neuwirth