Since 2015, Orange County Department on Aging and the community group, Senior Health Advocacy and Resource Partners of Orange County (SHARP) have hosted an annual SHARP Direct Care Worker Awards. This event is in honor of Direct Care Workers (nurse aides, personal care aides, companion caregivers, etc.) who affect their clients’ lives on a daily basis and make a difference in the Orange County community.
Given the unprecedented times we find ourselves facing, the festivities scheduled for May 14, 2020 were canceled. While the original date had to be canceled, we have rescheduled for October 15, 2020 at the Passmore Center located at 103 Meadowlands Drive in Hillsborough. If we find ourselves unable to hold the program indoors we will host a drive-thru awards ceremony.
Now more than ever, the members of SHARP and Orange County Department on Aging want the community to recognize all of the wonderful Direct Care Workers. “We honor those who willingly serve on the front line of this pandemic. They are true heroes to us all,” said SHARP Co-Chair, Tim Wach. “These women and men are the essential workers who have continued to work their hardest on behalf of their clients. Despite the concerns and struggles in their own lives, these devoted Direct Care Workers go to work every day—with a smile under their masks. We can see that smile reflected in the twinkle in their eyes.”
Awards will be presented in the following categories: Client Impact, Longevity, Leadership, Going the Extra Mile, and Rising Star. One person will be chosen as th “Direct Care Worker of the Year.”
To be eligible, direct care workers must have served clients in Orange County within the past year. Each person may be nominated in two categories. Nominees must have provided direct care to clients and have at least six consecutive months of service in the past year.
Nominations will open July 13 – September 4. For more information about the awards, please contact Kim Lamon-Loperfido at 919-245-4253.