CORNER BROOK, N.L. — Jacqueline Carey supports the western region through her work and also as an active volunteer.
The Corner Brook woman has been recognized with a 2018 Public Service Award for Excellence by the province.
Carey is a social worker with the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. She received the award during a recent ceremony in St. John’s.
According to the biography supplied in a press release, Carey leads by example, taking on every task she is faced with.
Colleagues describe her as patient, hardworking and caring.
Her work with Willow House, a domestic violence shelter for women and children located in Corner Brook, is said to be her most outstanding accomplishment to date.
She was involved in all stages of the $1.8-million project — from the initial funding application, to the creation of a master plan and building plans, to purchasing furniture and hiring staff. The new facility replaces a 30-year-old building that no longer met the needs of its occupants.
Since opening in 2018, Willow House has provided shelter, food and basic necessities for 150 women and 24 children.
She has worked hard building strong networks to best serve the community groups with which she is involved.
By doing so, she has fostered an environment in which people can work together effectively and efficiently to better serve those in need, the press release said.
Carey is said to be a strong leader with a great attitude and an inspiration to those around her.
Carey said she appreciates the award and the time put into the nomination.
In the press release, Premier Dwight Ball said it was an honour to meet the public service employees and recognize the work they do on behalf of the residents of the province.
“Our province is stronger because of their efforts and I hope they realize the significantly positive impact their work is having. The delivery of crucial public services and programs would not be possible without employees such as these.”
Elizabeth Day, clerk of the Executive Council, also took part in the awards presentation. She said she was proud of the public service employees' achievements and honoured to work with them.
The Public Service Award of Excellence has been presented for 18 years and is the highest honour that can be bestowed on public service employees. The award recognizes individuals and teams for exceptional work performance and honours achievements in innovation, leadership, relationship building and excellence in service.
Other Public Service Award recipients
• Bernadette Duke — Children, Seniors and Social Development
• Connie Fry — Health and Community Services
• Cory Grandy — Transportation and Works
• Intimate Partner Violence Unit — Const. Nadia Churchill, Const. Lindsay Dillion, and Malin Enström, Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
