Spirit of John Howard Award
It is my pleasure to announce that after reviewing a number of great nominations, the Spirit of John Howard selection committee has recommended Laura Speer as the recipient of the 2017 Spirit of John Howard Award!
Laura started with the JHSLM as a casual Residence Worker in August 2013, working in our Hobden House and Guy Richmond Place teams. Since then, she has taken on a number of positions across the organization – from full-time Residence Worker at Elliott House, to her role as one of our first In It Together – Youth Gang Prevention Initiative Outreach Workers. Laura recently transitioned to the role of Reintegration Worker and Outreach Worker for our new Homelessness Prevention Project. In all her positions within John Howard, Laura has gone above and beyond and has supported her clients and coworkers in a caring and genuine way.
The Spirit of John Howard acknowledgement is awarded to an employee who has provided outstanding acts of dedication, generosity, and kindness on behalf of the Agency. Laura truly embodies the spirit of John Howard, consistently going above and beyond for our community and those we work with. The nomination received for Laura spoke highly of her contribution to not only the organization but to her community
“Laura embodies exceptional attitude, integrity, humility, and kindness dedicated to
helping others in the community… she has a strong passion for helping others achieve their goals and always motivating others to be active participants in their lives in a pro-social, meaningful, and inclusive way”
JHSLM Awards of Excellence 2017-18
JHSLM Rising Star – Eric Mah
The Rising Star award recognizes an individual with less than two years’ experience with the JHSLM. This individual demonstrates great achievements, accomplishments, early successes, commitment, and promise as a future leader in the organization and in the social service sector.
Eric began working with the JHSLM team as our new Senior Accountant in June 2017, and quickly became a valued member of the JHS team. Coming to us with a background in accounting for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, Eric brought with him a passion for the work that we do and a true drive to improve our financial systems to better support our staff team and the people we serve. He is described as dedicated, diligent, and committed, and continuously provides resourceful ideas for programs which allow us to better serve people.
“Eric has been doing exceptional work for the organization, providing new alternative ideas for the Finance and Administration team to more efficiently process their work… He demonstrates real proficiency, professionalism, and quality in his work… though he is somewhat new to the organization and isn’t working directly with JHSLM clients, he has proven a true passion for the social service sector and a commitment to the betterment of our organization”
JHSLM Champion – Jaylin Schuil
The Champion Award recognizes an individual who goes the extra mile to make a difference in the organization. This individual brings fresh ideas and superior problem-solving skills to their program and to the organization, creating positive and lasting change. This person makes a difference through his or her passion, dedication, enthusiasm, and is someone all staff can look to for inspiration.
Jaylin joined the JHSLM as a summer co-op student in May 2016, working with our Community Living Outreach team in Vancouver. Following her co-op placement, Jaylin was welcomed on board as an outreach worker, and she quickly became an invaluable member of the team. Her genuine, pleasant, and kind approach as allowed her to develop into a worker who not only has a positive impact with service users, but also with her fellow employees. Jaylin is described as an individual who is always driven to be better, and this is reflected in her tireless work ethic and active desire to continue to grow and learn. She consistently shows that positive energy is contagious in the most inspiring ways.
“Jaylin has an amazing attitude, and leads by example… She is always happy to organize group events when others shy away from the task… she sees the potential in everyone, and always looks for the silver lining – this isn’t just on her good days, but every day. Jaylin is good natured, and most importantly, always promotes the inclusion of everyone around her”
JHSLM Legend – Pam Flegel
The Legend award recognizes an individual with 5 or more years’ experience in the organization who has demonstrated a sustained level of high performance, served as a mentor and an inspiration to colleagues, and has made extraordinary contributions to the community and the Agency.
Pam joined the JHSLM in January 2008, and has held a number of positions throughout the organization. Beginning as a casual residence worker in the Hobden House program, Pam has since taken on a variety of roles – Residence Worker at our CRFs, HPS Outreach worker, Program Coordinator of Community Services, Manager of Community Services, and Director of Justice Services – and has excelled in every position. She is dedicated to the social service sector, and volunteers her time to sit on many community committees and the Board of Directors of the BC Criminal Justice Association. Pam is described as an amazing leader who works well under pressure, who is always willing to pitch in wherever she is needed, and who is never too busy to make time for her staff and the individuals we work with. Pam mentors and leads her team with unwavering dedication and passion for the work that we do, and consistently goes above and beyond to support to the individuals we serve.
“Pam never backs down from a challenge, is a champion at writing proposals, and has the biggest heart – which is reflected in the work that she does… Pam is always available when you need her, and shows her appreciation for the work that we do… Pam is always smiling, works well under pressure, and will drop what she is doing to be there for you… she consistently makes huge efforts to support the individuals we serve, as well as supporting the staff that we work with”
