Award History & Criteria
In 2011, the Jerry O’Bee Service Excellence Award was established as a way to honor Jerry O’Bee for his efforts in advocating for caregivers in West Michigan, and as an ongoing way to annually recognize CRN members who demonstrate a similar commitment to excellence in serving seniors and their family caregivers within the community. To this end, award recipients must demonstrate the following Core Values which Jerry displayed:
- Commitment to the CRN – dedication, and a significant level of volunteer participation (time/hours of involvement)
- Innovation – The ability to think outside the box; always thinking of new ways to promote and further the mission and efforts of the CRN
- Energy – demonstrates a great deal of energy and enthusiasm in his/her work on behalf of caregivers; is accountable and can be counted on to follow through with any CRN-related tasks/assignments
- Passion – shows great personal and professional passion in regard to the needs and issues of family caregivers
- Vision – is a visionary always looking to identify ways to enhance the lives of caregivers
The recipient of this award will be chosen annually through nomination by peers within the CRN and the vote of a Committee comprised of Andrea Westendorp and past award recipients. The award will be presented in the month of November, and awardees will be recognized on the CRN facebook page, as well as on a plaque on permanent display at the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan located at 3215 Eaglecrest Drive NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525.
