Frank Zastera Named Robert Bonner Distinguished Service Award Recipient

Frank Zastera has been involved with people with disabilities for most of his life, growing up with his sister who has a developmental disability. In addition to being a family member, Frank was a legacy board member for Laura Baker Services Association (LBSA), accepting a nomination to join the board after his father, Joe, retired.

Frank served on the board from 2000–2020 and served as secretary for 10 years of his service. Living in northern Minnesota, he felt like he wasn’t able to contribute in all the ways he wanted, yet he was eager to find ways to make his service purposeful and meaningful. As the LBSA board changed over the years, Frank was a voice for families, and for retaining traditions that made a difference to the people we support and to families.

Frank understands the joys and challenges of growing up with a sibling with disabilities and could understand and advocate for services and supports that help both families and people with disabilities. He could be counted on to be a barometer for programs we were considering. He is a passionate advocate for adequately funding services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Frank, his sister and his family have moved on from the Association. We are pleased to honor his – and their – legacy of service to LBSA with the 2020 Robert Bonner Distinguished Service Award!