This award is given to an individual to honor and recognize their unique
contributions to the field of social/human services through dedication,
leadership and humanitarianism. A plaque is presented to the winner at the
WSSA Annual Conference Awards Banquet.
Gayl Farris
This award recognizes the outstanding efforts of a person who has made
a unique contribution to the field of social/human services in the clerical
profession. This award honors a clerical worker who, in the performance
of their duties, demonstrates an understanding of the needs of people
and gives evidence of dedication to the profession. A plaque and a $50
check are presented to the winner at the WSSA Annual Conference Awards
Banquet.
Membership Liaison
This award is given to an individual who is a membership liaison for their
agency and has worked side by side with the Operations Committee doing
mailings and keeping the individuals in their agency/department informed.
They have used their time and energy to recruit members and contribute
to the Association. As agencies vary in size, consideration will be given
regarding number of members obtained in the nominee's agency. A liaison
can submit their own nomination. A plaque will be presented to the winner
at the WSSA Annual Conference Awards Banquet.
Rookie of the Year
This award is given to an individual to honor and recognize their unique
contributions and who has given a substantial amount of time and energy
during their first 12 to 18 months of membership. The nominee does not
need to be a committee member. The Executive Committee will choose this
award with recommendations from the Operations Committee. A plaque will
be presented to the winner at the WSSA Annual Conference Awards Banquet.
Social/Human Services
This award honors the efforts of an individual who has made a unique contribution
to, and demonstrated outstanding performance in the administration or
delivery of social/human services programs. The nominee must have worked
in this area for a minimum of two years and exhibits leadership by serving
on agency, civic, or state committees or work groups for the development,
improvement or revision of social/human services programs, policies and
procedures. A plaque will be presented to the winner at the WSSA Annual
Conference Awards Banquet.
Economic Support
This award honors outstanding efforts of an individual who has made a
unique contribution to the field of Human Services in any of the Income
Maintenance/Economic Support professions. This award shows WSSA's appreciation
to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding performance in executing
the many complex policies and programs. They have shown a professional
attitude toward clients and co-workers, plus cooperation with other agencies
involved in serving their clients. A plaque will be presented to the winner
at the WSSA Annual Awards Banquet.
Honorary Life
Honorary Life memberships are for individuals who have served and have
been of significant benefit to the Wisconsin Social Services Association
(WSSA) and are pending loss of their eligibility for regular membership
due to retirement or leaving the field of human services. They exhibit
leadership, dedication and have made outstanding contributions to the
field of human services. This person must have been a consecutive member
of WSSA for the last 10 years and be a current
member. They also must have served as a State
Committee member, District Officer or County Membership Liaison. Once awarded, Honorary Life Membership is irrevocable.
A framed certificate is presented at the WSSA Annual Conference Awards
Banquet.
County Board
This award recognizes an individual county board member who has demonstrated
exceptional support for the goals and objectives of WSSA. The nominee
must exhibit leadership, dedication and/or has made outstanding or unique
contributions to the field of social/human services. They must be a current
county board member at the time of nomination and citizens appointed to
the social/human services boards are also eligible. The purpose of this
award is to acknowledge the contributions county board members make to
the field of social/human services as well as the importance of the role
they play in agency and individual participation in WSSA. A plaque will
be presented to the winner at the WSSA Annual Conference Awards Banquet.
Friend of WSSA
This award is to recognize an agency or organization that has
demonstrated exceptional support for the goals and objectives of WSSA.
Scholarships
Up to two scholarships, with a total value of $1,000 ($500 each), are
available to be awarded to WSSA members who are pursuing their career
in social/human services at the undergraduate, graduate or associate degree
level. You must be a Wisconsin resident and have been employed by a social/human
service agency for at least two years. The applicant must be enrolled
in a college or technical institute for a minimum of six credits. The
form must be signed by the applicant and submitted with two letters of
recommendation. Each winner is presented a certificate of scholarship
at the WSSA Conference Annual Awards Banquet. A check is sent to the scholarship
recipient upon verification of enrollment in an institute of higher education.
Conference Grant One or more conferences, with a total value
of $500, is available to be awarded to individuals seeking to attend conferences
that are related to Social/Human Services programs and are relevant to
the applicant's current job duties. The conference must benefit the individual,
agency and WSSA. All state and national conferences will be considered.
Applicant must be a current member of WSSA in good standing and must have
been a WSSA member for at least two years. A check will be presented to
the recipient at the WSSA Annual Conference Awards Banquet.
Nominations for Distinguished Service, Gayl Farris, Membership Liaison,
Rookie of the Year, Social/Human Services, Economic Support, and Honorary
Life: Nomination Form