Crystal Barker, a member of the Department of Human Services Office of Human Resources, was named the overall DHS Employee of the Year on Thursday, October 20. Barker received the esteemed honor during the 2016 Arkansas Human Services Employee Association Awards Banquet at the Arlington Hotel.
“Crystal Barker promotes the DHS mission daily, both on and off the job. As an instructor for DHS Organizational Development and Training (ODT) as well as in the community, she strives to reach people where they are. Crystal adjusts her workshop material to accommodate the specific needs of her participants, and works on “real world” issues during class time,” said Dr. Elizabeth Langevin. “Crystal makes sure that those around her and those touched by her many activities are made to feel that they matter. Her workshop materials and content are evidence of her care in helping DHS employees become more effective in fostering independence and promoting better health.”
The DHS mission is: Improving the quality of life of all Arkansans by protecting the vulnerable, fostering independence and promoting better health. Barker is adamant about helping the DHS uphold its principle of presenting the best possible living environment for all Arkansans.
Also at the AHSEA Awards Banquet, Susan Love was named the Office of Communications and Community Engagement/Division of Community Service and Non-profit Support Employee of the Year. Love, the State Voluntary Agency Liaison, has embraced the arduous task of assisting people who are experiencing extreme moments of uncertainty.
Helping Desha County get a $125,000 grant to aid a long-term flood recovery plan is among Love’s impressive outreach endeavors over the last year. And after a fire displaced more than two dozen residents from their apartments in Brinkley, it was Love who organized a one-day assistance center for the individuals and families who were impacted.
In all, 16 DHS employees were recognized for their excellence during the banquet:
From the Division of Behavioral Health Services – Sharon Thompson; Division of Child Care & Early Childhood Education – Justin Foster; Division of County Operations – Rhonda Kay Lasley; Division of Services for the Blind – Amy Jackson; Division of Aging and Adult Services – Angela Ziegenhorn; Division of Medical Services – Sandra K. Smith; Division of Developmental Disabilities Services – Rebecca Burns; Division of Youth Services – Marshelvia Thompson-Collins; Division of Children and Family Services – Jennifer Dulaney-Watkins; Office of Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs – Lori McDonald; Office of Procurement – Vivian Lee; Office of Chief Counsel – Sandra Hough; Office of Information Technology – Becky Adams; and from the Office of Finance – Norma Owens.