During the annual all-managers meeting in October, five Community Resources for Justice employees received special recognition for their hard work and dedication to the qualities that exemplify CRJ’s mission and values: integrity, excellence, creativity, and compassion.
Janet Kachadoorian, residential director II for Community Strategies-Massachusetts, received the 2019 CEO Award, In her nearly 17 years with CRJ, Janet is noted for her dedication and passion for doing the best for the individuals in CRJ’s care. She listens, and brings empathy and kindness to every interaction. Her colleagues recognize Janet as someone they can call on for timely and accurate advice and guidance, or for to listen and provide a shoulder to lean on. Janet is a skilled practitioner who combines her skills with her passion for quality care. One example is the spectacularly effective and acclaimed program on Healthy Relationships and Sexuality Education she developed for the individuals in CRJ’s care. During this year’s QUEST audit, that program was singled out for commendation by the audit team from the Department of Developmental Services.
Jasmine Jackson, policy specialist at the Crime and Justice Institute, received the 2019 Integrity Award. In her two-and-a-half years with CRJ, and as a member of CJI’s juvenile justice team, Jasmine has distinguished herself as a hard-working, thoughtful, and collaborative team member. As the lead for CJI’s juvenile justice work in Tennessee and Delaware, her colleagues have come to know her as an extremely organized, detail-oriented strategic thinker. She works hard to build strong relationships with both our clients and her teammates, all with an eye toward producing high-quality deliverables and securing positive outcomes. Jasmine believes strongly in the work she and CRJ do, and works hard to achieve positive outcomes for kids all across the county.
Jim Green, facilities management field supervisor for Community Strategies’ Massachusetts programs, received the 2019 Excellence Award. In his nearly 10 years with CRJ, Jim has established a reputation of going above and beyond his duties to ensure the safety, comfort, and health of individuals and staff. Jim is always available, night and day, weekends and weekdays, responding when he’s needed the most. Not only does he provide a quick response, he ensures that the finished product is top quality and done so to control costs. Finally, Jim is caring for the individuals we serve. He engages with them, and knows their names and their likes and dislikes. Jim Green epitomizes CRJ’s Excellence Award.
Alana Farrell, intake/release coordinator at CRJ’s McGrath House reentry center for women, received the 2019 Creativity Award. In her more than seven years with CRJ, Alana has consistently demonstrated creativity in finding ways to engage program residents, to help them overcome obstacles, and to identify opportunities for them in the community. She is a calming influence, often de-escalating tense situations. Alana is also always at the ready to assist her colleagues with advice and guidance, and even covering an extra shift. Every day Alana finds new ways to contribute to the success of our residents and of McGrath House.
Morgen Frye, a member of CRJ’s Human Rights Committee, received the 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award. Her commitment to the individuals CRJ serves and to ensuring their quality care is second to none. Morgen’s consistency and attention to detail ensure that the committee runs seamlessly. CRJ also benefits from Morgen’s professional training as a paralegal; she puts in many hours reading client plans and sends back those that don’t meet her expectations. Because of Morgen’s commitment and efforts, our Human Rights Committee has been cited as a point of excellence in CRJ’s outside audits.
Mauricio Claret (not pictured), assistant network administrator in the CRJ’s IT department, received the 2019 Compassion Award. Mauricio is the poster person for Compassion. He shows them respect and brings professionalism to every task or assignment – no matter how big or small. In his more than five years with CRJ he regularly makes staff feel like they are his top and only priority. And he seems to be always available; moments after submitting an IT request, he’s standing in your door.
The following employees were also nominated for outstanding work this year:
- Anthony Acevedo
- Cheralynn St. Luce
- Sara Hovasse
- Houston House
- Terry Lorette
- Shylah Briere
- Jen Owens
- Howard Jardine
- Maura McNamara
- Laura Shaw
- Chelsea Kilty
- Anthony DeLaRosa
- Lisa Margulies
- Robert Fournier
- Mike Kane