2009 Exemplary Service Award Honorees

Advocacy: Terry Vispo, Consejo Counseling and Referral.   Terry has been a strong advocate working to ensure that the Latino community receives culturally and linguistically competent services that are based on recovery principles, utilize best practices, and that address substance abuse and mental health issues in an integrated, wellness-based manner. She was the pioneer and organizer of the annual Latino Behavioral Health Conference, which provides information about effective and culturally responsive practices that address the disparities and needs facing the Latino community in Washington state.

Direct Service: Inpatient Chemical Dependency Program, Ryther Child Center. This program has continued to serve boys ages 12-17 despite budget reductions at Ryther that resulted in a similar program for girls closing down. The program was redesigned and reenergized, adding nutrition, exercise and science programs focused on helping the boys learn how to be healthy. Treatment completion and success rates rose significantly as a result of the team's dedication and hard work.

Service Innovation: REACH Program, Evergreen Treatment Services. The REACH Program has been providing outreach and case-management to chronically homeless, chemically dependent adults for 13 years. They have served many of the most difficult to engage clients in King County and have been highly successful in engaging clients, working collaboratively with many other service providers and finding creative ways to overcome barriers to benefit the people they serve.

System Integration: Peer Support Services, Harborview Medical Center. Peer Support Services have expanded to become an integral part of many programs at Harborview, including supported employment and housing, dialectical behavior therapy, assertive community treatment, long term rehabilitation, crisis intervention, addictions, and primary medical and psychiatric care teams. In the words of one Harborview client, "My experience with the peer support team has made me feel less distance between staff and clients and given me a greater sense of hope for a productive life."

Special Director's Award: Mark Dalton, Administrator, Belltown Community Service Office, Department of Social and Health Services. For 35 years, Mark Dalton has found ways to help people with mental illness and other disabilities access the federal benefits they are entitled to receive. His advocacy has helped thousands of individuals move from homelessness and repeated incarcerations into permanent supported housing and stability in the community.

  Left, Mark Dalton accepts his special recognition award from Division Director Amnon Shoenfeld (background)