2011 AASC Awards of Excellence Recipients

Overview

The annual American Association of Service Coordinators Awards of Excellence recognizes individual members for outstanding achievement in the practice of service coordination. Nominations offer service coordinators and others in affordable, service-enhanced housing an opportunity to be recognized for exceptional performance beyond their daily job duties.

AASC Awards of Excellence

Service Coordinator of the Year - Elderly/Disabled
Bonnie Good, Resident Service Coordinator, Clare of Assisi Homes
Westminster, Colo.
Member since 2009

Bonnie was nominated for this award by the property manager of her location. He praised Bonnie for always being willing to lend a helping hand, no matter how full her plate may be.

“I have known Bonnie for the past year and have noticed a tremendous amount of love and energy coming from her office daily,” said property manager Sebastian Galan. “Bonnie is the type of coordinator that can change roles and put on the shoes of the person she’s assisting.”

Through her efforts and dedication, she has increased the amount of monthly educational programming available to residents. A variety of topics are covered and Bonnie has helped to improve or expand the independence of more than half of her residents.

One example of Bonnie’s commitment to excellence was her work with a refugee Afghan family. The family moved to the area where the Farsi community is minimal and the language barrier is high. Bonnie located volunteer translators for the family, as well as financial and medical assistance. She also partnered with the Colorado Islamic Foundation to coordinate Muslim heritage education for the other residents in order to put them at ease with their new middle-eastern neighbors.

When she isn’t working with the residents of Clare of Assisi, Bonnie serves as the president of the Colorado AASC chapter, a member of her church’s parish council and a weekly volunteer at an area food bank.

“How she managers to juggle 100 residents and volunteer so much time to the community still amazes me. Never has a person crossed my path that has had such an amazing impact on other’s lives,” Galan said.

Service Coordinator of the Year - Family/FSS
Jennifer Petrie, Service Manager, Mid-Peninsula Housing Services
Half Moon Bay, Calif.
Member since 2008

“Jennifer is the epitome of community development and enhancement,” said Terrence Thompson, regional services manager. “She is a visionary employee who works diligently with residents, community partners and all other stakeholders to make sites within her grouping safe and a pleasant place for families to reside.”

Jennifer has dedicated a significant amount of time toward community development, ensuring that her residents feel a sense of safety and community in a neighborhood typically known for gang violence. She has organized a youth soccer league, community gardening program and fundraising youth council.

“I can see how much Jennifer truly cares about the community and its members,” said Cecelia Kuhn, Girl Scout of Northern California community development manager. “Her ability to work well with many different community partners enables program to be brought in that directly benefit families. She makes running a program at their site very enjoyable.”

The soccer league, under Jennifer’s management, attracted 130 youth from the community and taught them lessons in teamwork, health and wellness and sportsmanship. Their parents are able to serve as coaches and referees, which in turn offers them leadership experience and the opportunity to participate in an activity with their children.

Many nominators listed Jennifer as upbeat, enthusiastic and caring towards her residents. Her work has connected the housing communities she serves with social, educational and cultural services throughout the greater community. Her residents have noticed a difference since she began working with them.

President’s Award

This award is given by the AASC President to a member, or members, who, in the opinion of the President, are deserving of recognition for his/her work in the service coordinator profession. The award winners are chosen from the pool of Awards of Excellence nominees. It is given at the discretion of the President with recommendations from the AASC Awards Committee and may not be given every year.

M. Queen Bailey, Director of Supportive Services, Clairmont Oaks
Decatur, Ga.
Member since 2005

Queen's zeal about aging services and service coordination is contagious. As a speaker she delivers with passion, some laughter and a lot of authenticity. She is also recognized as a social change agent committed to encouraging everyone to live their most exciting life by creating their own motivational "tag".

“Not only does Queen do an excellent job as a service coordinator, she is also extremely passionate about the work she does,” said Janice Monks, AASC President and CEO. “She is a beautiful person both inside and out.”

Queen has presented at past National Conferences, AASC Chapter meetings, other state and regional service coordinator meetings and always leaves her audiences inspired. If you have had the opportunity to hear her speak, you will understand why she is so special.

Ruben Rivera-Jackman, Senior Resident Services Manager, King County Housing Authority
Tukwila, Wash.
Member since 2005

Ruben has an accomplished 25-plus year career as a nonprofit leader. For the past five years he has worked for the King County Housing Authority and currently serves as the Senior Resident Services Manager. He manages a team of nine service coordinators who provide service coordination at 24 mixed-population buildings and one dedicated staff assigned to the Section 8 program.

“From the start of his tenure as a member of AASC, Ruben has always accepted the challenge of being a presenter. He can be counted on to come up with great ideas pertinent to the profession, and we look forward to hearing him speak again this year,” said Monks.

“Both recipients have infectious personalities and great, loving auras from the instant you meet them,” Monks said. “It shows both in person and in their presentations.”

The organization is grateful for their efforts to support AASC and service coordination. Please join us in congratulating Queen and Ruben!

Click here for an AASC Awards of Excellence Nomination Form