G.A. Family Services held their annual retreat and awards ceremony honoring exceptional employees who demonstrate its core values and service to youth. The awards are given from employee to employee, based on staff nominations and votes. The winners have demonstrated the values tied to the namesake of each award.

“We have amazing employees who dedicate themselves to the youth we serve and their families,” said Karl Wiggins, vice president for G.A.F.S. at Lutheran. “Once a year we set aside this important time to honor the staff for their hard work and to say thank you for a job well done.”

The awards are in honor of people who made a difference in the lives of the youth and staff at G.A. over the year. The “Lion of the North” Award is given to a person who demonstrates the characteristics inherent in the G.A. namesake Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus. Matt Stone, evening campus administrator, received this year’s honor because he is professional and committed to maintaining safety and structure at G.A. He takes responsibility for his actions and maintains a positive attitude. “He is always there when needed and has a wonderful rapport with the youth,” Wiggins added.

The Harry J. Sands Award is given to those who are dedicated to student learning both academically and behaviorally. “This year we had a three-way tie,” Wiggins added. “Our three honorees are Kat Beyer, Tammy Malanowski and Julie Peterson.” Beyer is the social worker for the Learning Center. She serves as a dedicated and compassionate role model for the youth, promoting positive change in the students’ lives. Malanowski is a teacher aide who goes above and beyond every day. She is able to balance following the rules with a kind and caring attitude that is helpful to both the students and the teaching staff. Peterson is a classroom teacher. She is willing to try new challenges and gives her best. She is respected and trusted by the students.

The Lutheran-Experience Award is given to an employee who exemplifies the 25 core behaviors established within the Lutheran Experience. The award was presented to Amy Griffin, program support, for the second year in a row. “Amy always delivers the highest quality with a big smile and kind word,” Wiggins said. “She constantly lives by and follows the Lutheran Experience behaviors. She is a professional who believes communication is the key to good relationships.”

There was a two-way tie for the Ann McInerney Award based on leadership and advocacy for the youth and families in the foster care program. Ericka Garcia, foster care program manager for the Jamestown program was honored for keeping the best interest of the youth in her heart. She is a talented problem solver with excellent communication skills and expertise. Betsy Catalano, assistant director of community based services, knows every one of the 100 children in foster care and helps tremendously in all of the offices to problem solve, be an unbiased voice and advocate for the best results possible on every case. She is an expert in child welfare and shares her knowledge with patience and kindness.

Ernie Bastian was one of the first child care counselors at the Children’s Home. He was a great role model and mentor to many staff and youth. Shawn Caldwell, P.M. shift supervisor was given this award for demonstrating excellence in child care. “He is clearly an outstanding professional, mentor, counselor and colleague,” Wiggins said. “He is viewed as an outstanding leader. He fills in for campus administrators time and time again. He is loyal, dedicated and a hard worker.”

The Director’s Award went to Billy Torres, group facilitator and Liz Lobb, program support. “You can always count on Billy and Liz to give their best every day,” Wiggins said. “Billy is dedicated to the youth in his after school program and has nurtured important relationships within the community. Liz runs ‘command central’, keeping things running smoothly as she interacts with the youth, families, outside referral sources and staff. Her knowledge and experience are valued and appreciated.”

The G.A. core values are to help youth reach their full potential, create a positive environment in which they can enjoy success, give them the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, and encourage the development of a strong character through nurturing and positive role modeling.

G.A.F.S. is a specialized treatment program for youth and their families who are in need of care. Treatment includes residential, a learning center, therapeutic foster care, adoption services and community based and preventative services. For more information log onto www.g.a.familyservices.org.