Weinreis wins 2011 Spirit of Service Award

05-02-11

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Weinreis wins 2011 Spirit of Service Award
Pictured from left to right are Steven Novotny, Assistant Agency Director; Candy Weinreis, Huron Branch Coordinator; and Bob Boehmer, Agency Director.

Homecare Services hosted it’s semi-annual Coordinators Meeting at the Ramkota Rivercentre in Pierre last week. Homecare Services is a home health agency committed to providing expert advice and specialized care to those who want to remain living independently at home. The organization has several locations throughout South Dakota and Minnesota. Twice a year, managers from each of the Agency’s branch locations convene with members of Homecare Services’ administrative team to discuss issues pertinent to in-home services and receive valuable training. At this meeting Homecare Services announced that Candy Weinreis, Coordinator of Services for the Huron Branch, was the recipient of the Peggy Fritz Spirit of Service Award for 2011.

The Peggy Fritz Spirit of Service Award was created in honor of Peggy Fritz. Peggy began her career with Homecare Services as a caregiver on August 21, 2001; and was promoted to Coordinator of Services on February 26, 2002. During her time with Homecare, Peggy consistently demonstrated the depth of her commitment to her work, clients, and staff. Peggy never hesitated to put the needs of others ahead of her own. Her willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty serves as both an example and an inspiration. Peggy’s attitude, enthusiasm, and love for her work were contagious.

In 2001, Peggy was diagnosed with cancer. Peggy’s uplifting attitude, unwavering commitment, contagious enthusiasm, and exemplary courage remained steadfast as she fought the battle of her life. In the face of personal hardship Peggy refused to give in, she courageously continued to carry out the mission of Homecare Services. The disease that took her life did not succeed in robbing her of her spirit. Peggy’s contributions to Homecare Services and the many lives she touched are a remaining legacy and the reason for instituting the Spirit of Service Award in her honor and memory.

The nomination for Weinreis read, “Candy has been with Homecare Services for 9 years. Individuals who work in long term care understand that it takes a special person. Candy’s unwavering commitment is partially demonstrated by years of service alone. The way in which she has approached this mission of helping people throughout those 9 years, however, is probably the greatest testament to Candy’s unwavering commitment. She has never lost her enthusiasm for helping others. Sit down and visit with Candy for 5 minutes; it does not take long to sense her sincere and compassionate nature. For Candy her work is more than just a job it seems to be a calling and something she takes seriously and cares deeply about”.

The nomination went on to say, “Candy lives life to the fullest and her zest for life spills over into her work. Candy’s enthusiasm for life and living cannot help but impact the way in which she does her job. Candy approaches taking care of others in the same manner she approaches life – she gives it everything she has. This enthusiasm positively impacts both consumers and employees of Homecare Services.

Bob Boehmer, Agency Director of Homecare Services stated, “We are happy to have Candy as part of the Homecare Services team and encourage individuals who have questions about in-home services to contact Candy in Huron or one of the Homecare Services office in their area”.