Agency of Human Services Secretary Michael K. Smith announced the recipients of the Secretary’s Community Awards for “extraordinary contributions to the health and well-being of Vermonters.” 

Franklin County Home Health, led by Executive Director Janet McCarthy, reaches a wide variety of individuals, children and families. They have a wide range of programs and services focusing on improving the health and well-being of community members from birth to the last stages of life. Their services are extraordinary in their scope and quality.  In addition, FCHHA has assumed responsibility this year for coordinating services from various organizations for clients in very difficult situations. FCHHA is the consummate collaborator, and is eminently skilled in working to prevent crises and assist across a variety of transitions that reach from expectant families to the elderly.

Of the fourteen award recipients, eight were recognized at regional receptions on December 12 in South Burlington and Montpelier.  The six remaining recipients will be honored in January at receptions to be held in Springfield and Rutland.  “I am pleased to have this opportunity to recognize the exceptional work of our partners in the community and to call attention to the wonderful human services work done in our communities each day,” Secretary Smith said.

These awards will be granted annually to individuals, work teams, and organizations from outside of State Government who work closely with the Agency of Human Services to serve and support Vermonters.  “As I travel around the state I see firsthand community partners, individuals, and agency staff who touch the lives of Vermonters each and every day.  We don’t say ‘thank you’ enough and there are a lot of community partners who deserve to be recognized.  These awards give me the chance to do just that,” Smith said.

Information about all fourteen award recipients is available on the Agency of Human Services website at:  www.ahs.state.vt.us/docs/Brochurep.doc   

The AHS Secretary’s Community Awards recognize “The individual, team, or organization that has made an extraordinary contribution to the health and well-being of Vermont citizens and exemplifies one or more themes of the Agency reorganization.  Those themes are:  Collaboration with Key Partners, Respectful Service, Emphasis on Prevention, Access to Services, Effective Service Coordination, Flexible Funding to Address Gaps in Services, Support for People through Transition, Services before a Crisis, Information Systems and Communication, and Continuous Improvement and Accountability.  More information is available about the Agency reorganization on the website at:  www.ahsnet.ahs.state.vt.us/council/