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Proulx named Case Manager of the Year at Le Bal MasqueRene Proulx, a dependency case manager for Children’s Home Society, was awarded the Dependency Case Manager of the Year Award Oct. 18 during United for Families’ signature community event, John Pierson’s Toyota of Stuart Le Bal Masque.
United for Families coordinates and oversees child-welfare services in St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River and Okeechobee counties. Proulx’s employer, Children’s Home Society, is part of United for Families’ network of providers.
United for Families created the award two years ago as a way to recognize and better support the efforts of dependency case managers, who coordinate services for children in the dependency court system. It was the first time Proulx won the award, which has become the centerpiece of United for Families’ program to train and retain quality case managers and stabilize the child-welfare system for children.
Proulx, who has been recognized twice for his good work, was a runner-up for the award in 2007.
He was nominated by his peers for his work ethic, willingness to always assist his co-workers and his care and respect for the many families and children he serves.
"Rene represents some of the best qualities one could hope for in a case manager," said Lawrence Brooks, Children's Home Society Executive Director. "He shows compassion to the children and families that he works with; he supports his colleagues; he routinely goes above and beyond the call of duty and has even worked in other counties when called upon to meet the needs of children and families," Brooks said.
The award was presented during United for Families’ annual gala, John Pierson’s Toyota of Stuart Le Bal Masque, Oct. 18, at Stuart’s Willoughby Golf Club. United for Families’ Chief Executive Officer Christine Demetriades and Amy Pierson, wife of Toyota of Stuart owner John Pierson, presented the award together.
Proulx received a $1,000 cash bonus, made possible by a matching grant from Toyota of Stuart. United for Families provided the first $500 as part of its commitment to case management.
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Dr. George Woodley and Kristen Webster enjoy the evening Oct. 18 at United for Families' third annual gala, John Pierson's Toyota of Stuart Le Bal Masque.
United for Families Development Director has fun with a black-and-red, cat-like mask.
Rebekah Villanueva, left, and Dana Gorman, both of Riverside National Bank, take a break from their volunteer duties to pose for a picture.
Amy Pierson, representing John Pierson's Toyota of Stuart, presents Proulx with his Case Manager of the Year gift basket.
From left, Kendall Clifford, Melissa Sabin and Kelly Johnson led plans for this year's gala as event committee members. Johnson served as committee chairwoman.
Scott Sade, an event sponsor, United for Families board member and business warrior, glances from behind a gladiator helmet.
Jamie and Pierre Uteschill were among the many guests who have spent countless hours volunteering for United for Families. Jamie's mask was a keepsake from her last trip to Italy.
From left, Jahan Henry, Tina Henry and Pauline McIntosh enjoy a sisterly moment together.
United for Families Chief Executive Officer Christine Demetriades presents Proulx with his Case Manager of the Year Award. Proulx was nominated for the award in 2007 and has received several awards since.
Sylvie Kramer, executive director of Kids Connected by Design, and Lisa Olds, Healthy Start of Martin County Executive Director took a short break from prenatal care to enjoy an evening of elegance.
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United for Families News
- SHOP FOR A CAUSE
United for Families volunteers raised $375 during Macy’s Shop for a Cause – money the organization will use to support its birthday program for teenagers in the foster-care system.
The child-welfare organization is one of many charities that participated in Macy’s Sept. 20 Shop for a Cause, an event coordinated annually by the retail giant to highlight the good works of local non-profit organizations.
United for Families volunteers spent the month of September selling 20 percent-off Macy’s coupons for $5 each. Proceeds benefited United for Families’ Bookworm Babies Birthday Club, which provides a new book or gift card, greeting card and small toy to foster children during the month of their birthday.
- VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
United for Families honored its employee volunteers with a picnic Sept. 19. Staff accumulated a total 997 volunteer hours in 2007-2008, Volunteer Coordinator Linda Smith said.
"We wanted to thank them for dedicating their spare time to a cause they already have devoted their lives to," she said, adding that Riverside National Bank donated food and drinks to the picnic and grilled hamburgers and hotdogs.
Later in the month, United for Families recognized its nearly 200 community volunteers during a special picnic and ceremony. Marge Skillman was recognized as Volunteer of the Year, and Emily Kaiser was recognized as Student Volunteer of the Year.
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Caregiver News
- HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE
Caregivers who need help providing gifts this holiday season should by now have signed up to participate in United for Families' Adopt a Family program. The program, now in its seventh year, matches caregivers to businesses in the community who want to help provide holiday gifts. If you have not already signed up for the project, please call Lea Tate at 398-2920 Ext. 297 immediately as assistance this year is limited.
- CAREGIVER SUPPORT
The next meeting of the Martin County and St. Lucie County Caregiver Support Program is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Martin County Service Center, on Willoughby Bloulevard. Relative caregivers are encouraged to attend to learn about local resources and available funding. Call Jill Poole at 398-2920 for more information.
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Community News
- CHARITY OF THE NIGHT
United for Families invites Vero Beach residents to a night of fun during Vero Beach’s special Christmas Downtown Friday in December. United for Families is the event’s Charity of the Night.
The agency will use its designation as the event’s Charity of the Night to promote its Road to Success program, which helps older foster children make the transition into adulthood by teaching independent-living skills.
Downtown Friday has been rescheduled twice, first from Oct. 24 and then from Nov. 1, due to rain. An exact date and time will be announced in the December newsletter.
- IF THESE WALL COULD TALK
The next If These Walls Could Talk tour is scheduled for 10 a.m. Nov. 7 at United for Families' headquarters, 10570 S. Federal Hwy., Port St. Lucie. United for Families offers the tours monthly to educate the community about the local child-welfare system and programs offered. Please call Christina Kaiser at 398-2920 Ext. 298 to RSVP.
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