2020 Direct Care Worker Awards

Orange County Department on Aging and the Senior Health Advocacy and Resource Partners of Orange County (SHARP) honored thirty-one individuals for their outstanding service in long-term care on Oct 22 during a virtual Direct Care Worker Award ceremony.

Penny Rich, chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners, recognized all thirty-one nominees including six individuals who received the following 2020 SHARP Direct Care Worker awards:

  • Longevity: Vivian Dixon – Brookdale Meadowmont
  • Rising Star: Kim Mayorquin – Carolwoods Retirement Community
  • Client Impact: Ashley Horton – Homewatch Caregivers of the Triangle
  • Going the Extra Mile: Deborah Carmichael- Elmcroft of Hillsborough 
  • Leadership: Marla Johnson – Charles House Association
  • Direct Care Worker of the Year: Joey Duffy – ACORN (pictured at right)
2020 SHARP Direct Care Worker of the Year winner, Joey Duffy, of Acorn Home Care Services, Inc.

About the Event

This event recognizes direct care workers (nurse aides, personal care aides, companion caregivers, etc.) who served clients in Orange County within the past year, making a difference in their clients’ lives on a daily basis and in the community.

Download 2020 Direct Care Worker Award Program.

Read the full 2020 Awards Ceremony press release.

Other Awards

Employers of the award winners were also honored at the virtual ceremony. 2020 SHARP Direct Care Worker awardee employers are as follows:

  • A Helping Hand
  • ACORN
  • Brookdale Meadowmont
  • Carol Woods Retirement Community
  • Charles House Association
  • Homewatch Caregivers of the Triangle
  • HomeInstead, Medisolutions
  • Right at Home of the Triangle
  • Senior Helpers
  • UNC Healthcare
  • and individual family caregivers