The Wake Area Business Advisory Council (BAC) recently announced the winners of its 2004 Awards of Excellence at its second annual banquet. Employees, employers, community partnerships and participants were honored for their excellence and accomplishments in the area of workforce development in Wake County employment and training programs.
One Wake County Human Services (WCHS) employee, two area employers, two outstanding participants and one innovative partnership were among the efforts recognized. Innovation, determination and inspiration were a few of the terms used to describe the winners.
Sandra Painter, senior case manager with Human Services' PRO-Familia program, won the Outstanding Employee award. Painter was cited for her extra effort with clients who cannot speak or understand English by helping them with pre-employment skills and job searches as well as accompanying them on job interviews along with school, housing and medical appointments. Her professionalism and enthusiasm with the Latino community has helped PRO-Familia serve more clients this year than ever before.
Wanda's Little Hands Educational Center and Adecco Employment were named Outstanding Employers.
Wanda's Little Hands Educational Center was commended for its innovative hiring and training program for clients who wanted to earn Early Childhood credentials. Owner/operator Wanda McCargo has helped WCHS clients, especially from the PRO-Familia program, to gain valuable, on-the-job experience while working at the center.
Adecco Employment was honored for its hiring of area workers and support of the BAC and its overall program efforts. Nina Honecutt and Kate Wickers of Adecco Employment provide leadership on BAC committees and participate in BAC special events.
Outstanding Participant awards were presented to John O'Sullivan and Emma Hernandez. O'Sullivan, nominated by WCHS' Supported Employment program, was noted for his determination to achieve his career goal of employment in a management position despite a lifelong challenge with mental illness. He has successfully managed the stress associated with a high-level position of responsibility, which is an amazing testament to his persistent hard work.
The PRO-Familia program nominated Hernandez, a native of Honduras. Having no previous work experience, limited English skills and never completed high school, she was cited for achieving her certification in early childhood education. She also went on to work on other goals, enrolling in English-as-a-Second-Language classes and GED classes.
The Interfaith Food Shuttle (IFS) received the Outstanding Partnership award. IFS offers training opportunities to WCHS' clients through its Culinary Job Training Program. IFS' Bevon Sekora, the program's case manager and recruiter, accepted the award for her dedication to bringing this valuable training to hard-to-serve noncustodial parents.
Guests and honorees included Commissioner Chair Kenn Gardner, who helped present the awards, and Wake County Manager David Cooke, who provided welcoming comments. Kate Wickers, chair of the BAC, offered opening remarks, and Maria Spaulding, Human Services' executive director, provided the closing remarks.
The Wake Area Business Advisory Council is a Human Services initiative established in 1997 to promote partnership between local businesses/employers and vocational services programs in Wake County. For more information, call Janny Flynt, WCHS Work Force Development coordinator, at 212-7594.