Charles Harris, Department of Health and Social Services

Mr. Harris is a Social Service Administrator with the Office of Volunteerism. Early in the pandemic there were no available masks or other PPE, so Mr. Harris partnered with Americorp Delaware to purchase materials to make brackets. Then under his direction, those brackets were used to make a total of 1000 masks and face shields which were then distributed to first responders and clients, including 250 he made with his wife.

Stacey Purnell, Department of Health and Social Services

Ms. Purnell is a Laundry Worker with the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services’ Stockley Center. On her breaks and sometimes even on her days off, Ms. Purnell visits clients to try and put a smile on their faces and to lift their spirits. Even when she experienced her own family loss, she continued to manage her workload and still make time for the clients. Her positivity inspires not only the clients, but her co-workers as well.

Wayne Smiley, Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families

Mr. Smiley is a Senior Family Service Specialist with the Division of Family Services working in an Adolescent Treatment unit. Mr. Smiley’s work was recognized by two Family Court judges, the Department of Justice and other divisions within the department. One agency clinical director said, “Wayne volunteered to assist with investigation cases even though he had transitioned to a treatment unit. In the face of COVID, Wayne was willing to do what was needed to ensure that children were safe!“

Anne Hiller Clark, Department of Health and Social Services

Ms. Hiller Clark is an Administrative Librarian with the Division of Management Services. Among other accomplishments this year, she transformed the DHSS Library website into an informational hub for state agencies to use during the pandemic. The library web page was populated with COVID-19 information from “My Healthy Community” and provided updates using COVID-19 data dashboard. In addition, the library portal provided crucial information to help state employees with the new concept of working remotely at home.

Dawn Stevens, Department of Correction

Officer Stevens is a Senior Probation and Parole Officer who had several notable work-related and volunteer achievements this year. In just one example, she assisted a former probationer who had fallen on hard times due to COVID. On her own time, SPO Stevens coordinated with local contacts and organizations to provide food, hygiene items, and other needed essentials. She was also able to help secure funds to keep the former offender in their home through the holidays.