 |
|
Elaine Torosian; is our 1999
annual Cooperman-Bogue winner. She has been with the Department of
Veterans Affairs since 1986, working in a variety of
settings including the delivery of direct patient care in
psychiatric, geriatric, and substance abuse areas.
With little more than administrative encouragement,
Elaine made application to the state to establish a
Domestic Violence Intervention Program. Hours of
training, paperwork, and dealing with the process were mostly done on
Elaine's own time in addition to her regular duties. Because of the nature
of the subject, the population Elaine serves is often hostile, unreceptive,
and being court ordered for treatment, not always motivated. Yet, she
has received testimonials from couples regarding the positive impact
her program has had on them and their children's lives. |
| |
|
|
| Barbara Cook has been a daycare home provider for
more than 17 years. Nominated by a mother of one of the
children in her care, she frequently serves as a mentor to other
daycare providers, who call her for support and guidance.
Barbara recognizes the importance of developing self-esteem in children, and uses every opportunity to praise, encourage,
and motivate a child. Several years ago, a young boy was under
her care from age 2 to age 5. His family life was not the happiest,
and he had few positive people around him. Barbara nurtured him and made him feel
special. She worked with him a lot to prepare him for school. Because of this one
special person, that little boy was much happier and ready to meet the challenge
of entering kindergarten. |
 |
|
|
| |
|
 |
Kim Edelson has
been a child protection investigator
for more than seven years. She frequently carries a caseload
of at least twice the recommended amount, and no matter
how late in the day a case is assigned her, she always follows through in making certain that a child’s safety is not
compromised. Kim consistently tries to identify the strengths
of a family, and empowers them to use those strengths to improve their family relationships. Once, she sacrificed
her own privacy by allowing the press to shadow her for a week. In doing so,
the community became more aware of the difficulties of conducting child
abuse investigations. |
|
|
|
| Joan Miller has
been a social service counselor with
the Pinellas County Health Department for six years. Working
at the Northeast High School Health Clinic, she provides
emotional support and guidance to students, frequently
sacrificing her own lunch period to counsel students who
come to the clinic with crisis situations. Education is a high
priority on Joan’s list. She likes to see her students’ progress
reports and encourages school completion. Her professionalism
applies to all races, religions, and genders. Says school psychologist, Dr. Fran
Mabee: "Mrs. Miller works to bring about positive change while enhancing personal
growth." |
 |
|
To nominate an outstanding human service provider contact:
Eddie Burch
Phone: 727-547-5676
Email |
|
|
 |
|
1999 Winner
Elaine Torosian |
|
