NOTE:
Per an Executive Committee decision on October 8, 2010,  an individual does not have to be a WSSA member to nominate someone for an award.  In addition the person nominated does not have to be a WSSA member for the following awards:  County Board, Economic Support and Human Services.

Distinguished Service

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.

Award winners will receive a free individual WSSA membership for one year.

Nomination Forms

• Awards
• County Board
• Friend of WSSA
• WSSA Officer

Application Forms

• Scholarships
• Conference Grants
  

Deadline for Awards

The deadline for submitting nominations for 2019 awards is: April 8, 2019.

Send Nominations

Please send nominations or questions to:

Missy Hubacher, President
GoodWill Industries
6055 N 91st St
Milwaukee, WI 53225
Phone:  414-847-4795
Send Email to Missy Hubacher