Staff Recognized for Service, Dedication
Miami Valley Community Action Partnership staff members were recognized for performance and service as part of the agency’s annual training and recognition luncheon.
In their second year, the special awards recognize staff members who demonstrate unwavering dedication to the agency’s mission and the people it serves. Recipients are chosen from among staff nominations.
“Each of you brings something unique and invaluable to our agency,” said President and CEO Erin Jeffries at the event. “Today we are proud to lift up the colleagues who embody excellence, leadership and the spirit of Community Action.”
Three employees received the Guiding Light Award honoring how their leadership lights the way for others. By guiding through example and caring deeply about their colleagues and customers, they help create a workplace where people feel supported capable and valued.
The Guiding Light Award was presented to Neziah Israel, a crew leader in the Home Weatherization Assistance Program; Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Deborah Donnelly; and Preble County Director Janelle Caron.
“Your leadership, integrity and commitment help shape not only the work we do, but the culture of who we are,” Jeffries said. “Thank you for lighting the way for all of us.”
Two Darke County employees received the Impact Multiplier Award which recognizes teammates who create ripple effects that strengthen programs, support colleagues and expand the reach of the agency’s mission.
Tonya Estell, Darke County Operations Coordinator, and Jennifer Scantland, Darke County Office Assistant, received the award for their critical roles in the county office’s recent leadership transition. They were lauded for creating stability when it was needed the most and their contagious positivity.
Weatherization Crew Leader Mick Day received the Pinnacle Performance Award for going above and beyond in his role and for modeling leadership and service.
“Mick performs every assignment to the highest standard and his technical skill allows him to take on projects that few others can do,” Donnelly said in presenting the award. “He also goes above and beyond for customers, often fixing things in their homes that fall outside the scope of weatherization simply because he wants to help.”
Customer Service Excellence Awards were presented to Utility Assistance Director Dawn Drake and Preble County Administrative Assistant/Transportation Coordinator Shelbie Houseman. Drake was recognized for her ability to de-escalate difficult conversations while still delivering accurate information and modeling mission-driven service for her team. Houseman was recognized for bringing warmth, professionalism and positivity to every interaction as the first face of voice most Preble County customers encounter.
Executive Administrator Cindy Dahlman received the Safety Excellence Award for her work as co-chair of the Safety Committee. Dahlman oversaw a comprehensive process that resulted in upgraded security systems; organized agency-wide First Aid, CPR and AED training; and ensured that standardized first aid kits and AEDs are available in every facility and every agency vehicle.
“Through her proactive planning, attentive follow-through and unwavering commitment to preparedness, Cindy has helped transform safety from a set of procedures into a culture that will benefit MVCAP for years to come,” Jeffries said in presenting the award.
Three MVCAP Board Members were on hand to congratulate all the award recipients: Tara McCafferty from Preble County and Delores Ely and ReNee Shuttleworth, both from Darke County.
Employees were also recognized for years of service, including Tamara Day who was honored for 30 years of service in the Weatherization and Housing Services Department.
“Three decades of commitment is not just a work anniversary; it is a legacy,” Jeffries said. “It represents countless moments of service, years of helping families move toward stability, and a lifetime of impact on our agency and community.
Three employees were recognized for 15 years of service: Amos Harris, Weatherization and Housing Services; Caseam Pleasant, Fiscal; and Barry Strahorn, Weatherization and Housing Services.
Five employees were recognized for 10 years of service: Tamara Blake, Emergency Home Repair; Deborah Donnelly, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Dawn Drake, Utility Assistance Director; Randy Gamble, Main Street Facilities; Terry Hewitt, Preble County Driver.
“Your commitment has shaped our programs, strengthened our teams and made a profound difference in the lives of thousands of customers across our region,” Jeffries said.
The employee luncheon was sponsored by Prestige Home Furnishings, Applied Energy and Carroll-Wuertz Tire Company. The bulk of the day was spent discussing the agency’s new personnel policy manual and answering employee questions.
