Shasta County is fortunate to have many exemplary employees. On a daily basis, their dedication, integrity, creativity, and professionalism are called upon to maintain the high quality of local public services enjoyed by the citizens of Shasta County. Their jobs are becoming more challenging as public expectations of service and demands for increased efficiency escalate. In this environment, it is important that we recognize those employees who set the standard of excellence and dedication for the entire organization. Their contribution deserves the thanks and appreciation of the entire County family and the citizens of the community.
In this spirit, the Board is being asked to recognize the Employee of the Month, who has been nominated by the Employee Recognition Committee. This nomination is based on a review of all nominations using the selection criteria provided for in the Employee Recognition Policy. It is the recommendation of the Employee Recognition Committee that Laura McDuffey, Community Development Coordinator, Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), be recognized as the December 2017 Employee of the Month.
Ms. McDuffey represents the County, HHSA, and her programs positively and professionally. She works cooperatively to solve problems and ensure clients get their needs met. Ms. McDuffey represents Shasta County at many community events including many resource fairs. She is involved in the HOPE Van Advisory Committee and was a key participant in Project Homeless Connect which assists individuals in our community who are experiencing homelessness and having difficulty connecting to essential services needed to sustain a certain quality of life.
Ms. McDuffey has assisted with the Medi-Cal expansion for Shasta County, development of the Sharps Disposal Program, the Farmers' Market SNAP-ED grant program, and the Prescription Drug Card program. She took the lead in applying for CalWORKs Housing Support Program (HSP) funding for Shasta County. HSP provides homeless adults with children assistance with acquiring temporary and permanent housing assistance and with on-going case management in order to address barriers that may cause them to become homeless again in the future. Ms. McDuffey is responsible for the Unsheltered Adult Program which provides case management and supportive services to homeless single adults. She has a knack for developing effective programs as the need arises.
Ms. McDuffey works closely and effectively with multiple community partners and other agency programs in order to ensure clients have access to all available resources. She goes above and beyond to provide good customer service and to improve the community of Shasta County.