The Commissioner’s Circle of Excellence Awards recognize excellence among human services providers, counties, tribes, advocacy groups and other organizations that work in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to help people meet their basic needs so they can live in dignity and achieve their highest potential. This is the seventh annual awards.
JFCS as the lead agency, in collaboration with Jewish Family Service of St. Paul and GlobeGlow Consulting & Research, Inc., worked together on the Providing Services, Education and Resources for Persons with Dementia and their Caregivers project. The project was designed to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach to serve Somali, Russian-speaking, Jewish and Christian seniors. The focus was on increasing cognitive testing; connecting caregivers to services, education and resources; and increasing awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
“We are proud that Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis and our well-qualified and caring staff have been recognized in this way,” said Judy Halper, JFCS Chief Executive Officer. “A community that cares for its elderly sets a great example and acknowledges that all its citizens matter.”
DHS leadership will travel to each organization during the summer and fall to present the awards and recognize their work within their communities. “It is an honor to recognize these leaders in human services helping all Minnesotans through hard work, innovation and partnerships,” said Minnesota Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper. “These organizations highlight the real impacts our work has on individuals’ lives, from youth to families to older adults, across the state.”
