HURON — The Huron Area Center for Independence held its annual Awards Banquet March 30 in the Plains Ballroom with more than 250 people in attendance.
Awards were presented for the Excellence in Achievement, Employee of the Year, Employer of the Year and the Distinguished Service Award for Health Care. In addition, employee anniversary and community employment awards were presented.
Employer of the Year
The Huron Public School System Transportation/Building and Grounds Department was the recipient of the Employer of the Year award.
Director Rex Sawvell had a need to have school busses cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis because of the increase in the number of students riding the bus. He already knew about the support that could be provided by the Center for Independence and the great work ethic of the people the center works with. He had seen the desire and love for work first-hand in the community. Since 2013, five people have been hired to clean and sanitize busses, five days a week, year round. This employment opportunity also opened the door for an enclave of employees to work cleaning the Huron Arena after major events.
Employee of the Year
Dawn Eden was selected at the Center for Independence as Employee of the Year. Dawn’s assistance during the transition to External Case Management was extremely beneficial to the agency.
Eden is the agency’s certified Personal Outcome Measures interviewer and has done a great job with these additional responsibilities. Despite all the changes, she has had a positive attitude and has encouraged and helped others. She is a great asset to the Center for Independence.
Distinguished Service for Health Care
Shelly Wieseler, NP-C of Avera Medical Group Miller, is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for Health Care. She provides health care for many of the people at Blachford House and is the primary Health Care Professional for four of them. She is very caring and compassionate to all in her care and is very attentive to their disabilities and medical concerns. She is always willing to go above and beyond her call of duty. Her smile matches her gentle heart and her positivity comforts all in her care. The Miller community benefits greatly from Wieseler’s presence.
Excellence in Achievement
The Center for Independence Excellence in Achievement Award winner was Nyla Stock, who had a goal to get a job. She wanted the pride, independence, and happiness that a job can bring to your life.
Those desires lead her to a job at Super 8, which she has been at for over six months. She is proving herself by coming in early and staying late, if needed. Stock’s attitude at Super 8 has led to more hours and more responsibility. Her happy and friendly personality inspires everyone around her.
Employee Anniversary Awards
With nearly 100 years between them, Jackie Oschner (35 years), Lisa Tschetter and Georgia Langbehn (both 30 years) were recognized for their years of service to the Center for Independence.
Although their roles have changed through the years, Oschner is currently Program Consultant, Tschetter is a full-time fill-in instructor, and Langbehn is the Client Services Officer.
