Employee Recognitions
Here you will find a running list of nominations!
Our first spotlight comes in from Danielle. She has nominated Debra Arthur at the Jonesboro Adult Program. Here is what she had to say about her:
"She goes above an beyond everyday to make sure me and my friends are taken care of everyday at day program. She makes sure anyone who only goes to day program a couple days a week still gets to be involved in field trips and center parties even when the rest don't say anything to anyone."
Things she feels Debra is good at include:
Building teamwork
Rapport with our individuals
Handling stressful situations/De-escalation
Helping new co-workers
Communication
Not calling in
Getting our individuals involved in community activities Thorough daily notes
Filling in when needed
Showing up to work with a smile
Advocating for our individuals
Way to go, Debra! You are making a difference!
Our latest nomination was from Cheryl Willie-Webb. She has nominated herself. Here is what she had to say!
"I have been an employee of Focus for over 20 years! During that time! I have gone above and beyond the call of duty by working extra whenever I have been called upon! Since I have retired from JHDC in December 2022, I have worked extra every pay period to help out! I didn’t need the hours! I helped because I enjoy working with the clients and interacting with their families! It is my calling!"
She feels her strengths include: Getting our individuals involved in community activities, filling in when needed, building rapport with our individuals, communication, showing up to work with a smile, and advocating for our individuals
Thank you Cheryl for your many years with us at Focus, Inc.
Our waiver coordinator, Dee Dee Sanders, has been nominated by Scot. Here is what he had to say...
"She is totally sweet..understanding..caring..a dedicated worker.."
Things he says she is really good at:
Building teamwork
Getting our individuals involved in community activities
Filling in when needed
Communication
Showing up to work with a smile
Advocating for our individuals
Way to go Dee!
Amanda Perry has been nominated by Jessica Russom. Here is what Jessica has to say:
"Amanda has always been my go to person from day one. She has aided me through difficult situations and has been a good mentor. Not only does she thoroughly guide the on coming crew, but she goes above and beyond to help the client in need or consumer trying to figure it out."
Jessica feels Amanda's strengths include:
Building teamwork
Helping new co-workers
Filling in when needed
Rapport with our individuals
Handling stressful situations/De-escalation
Advocating for our individuals
Thank you Jessica for your nomination and thank you Amanda for being a part of the Focus team
Our next nomination is from Syrena Price. She has nominated our Waiver Coordinator, Dee Dee Sanders. Here is what she has to say about Dee Dee:
"She is always kind and pleasant. She really genuinely about her clients and her coworkers too."
Strengths:
Building teamwork
Helping new co-workers
Getting our individuals involved in community activities
Filling in when needed
Rapport with our individuals
Communication
Showing up to work with a smile
Handling stressful situations/De-escalation
Advocating for our individuals
Thank you Syrena for your nomination and thank you Dee Dee for all that you do!
Our next few nominations come in from one of our supervisors- Tabitha Taylor. The first nomination goes to Stormily Pillow. This isn't Stormily's first time in the spotlight and there is a good reason why!
Here is what Tabitha has to say about Stormily:
"Stormily is our house manager over Paragould and Oak Grove. She juggles both houses and does a great job. She helps train new workers and goes above and beyond. She never calls in. She is a true team player. She helps me with with other things that does not pertain to the group homes sometimes as well. She is a great employee and very appreciated."
Strengths:
Building teamwork
Helping new co-workers
Getting our individuals involved in community activities
Filling in when needed
Rapport with our individuals
Communication
Putting in T-Logs and ISP notes daily
Showing up to work with a smile
Not calling in
Thorough daily notes
Advocating for our individuals
Thank you Stormily for all you do for our individuals and staff! You are so appreciated!
Our next nomination is Jaclyn Mason. Jaclyn is our Autism Waiver Coordinator and Behavior and Crisis Intervention Specialist.
Here is what Tabitha has to say about Jaclyn:
"Shows up to all crisis calls and helps out anytime someone needs it. She advocates for our clients very well. She does not take off work unless someone makes her. I don't think she realizes how much we all appreciate her."
Strengths:
Building teamwork
Helping new co-workers
Getting our individuals involved in community activities
Filling in when needed
Rapport with our individuals
Communication
Putting in T-Logs and ISP notes daily
Showing up to work with a smile
Not calling in
Thorough daily notes
Advocating for our individuals
Jaclyn is very much appreciated and loved at Focus, Inc. Thank you Jaclyn for everything you do!
Next up, we have a nomination for Dot Cottrell. Here is what Tabitha has to say about Dot:
"She truly cares about her clients and helps them with all their goals and more. She does the best T-logs and notes. She pays attention to details and helps out when needed."
Strengths:
Getting our individuals involved in community activities
Filling in when needed
Rapport with our individuals
Communication
Putting in T-Logs and ISP notes daily
Showing up to work with a smile
Thorough daily notes
Advocating for our individuals
Thank you Dot for everything you do!
Janette Skaggs has our next nomination. Janette is fairly new to the team, but fits in quite nicely. Here is what Tabitha has to say about Janette:
"Always comes to work and helps out where needed without fussing. She gets our clients out in the community and takes them places they enjoy going. Her main client has nothing but nice things to say about her and enjoys the days she works."
Strengths:
Rapport with our individuals
Communication
Putting in T-Logs and ISP notes daily
Filling in when needed
Showing up to work with a smile
Thank you Janette for all you do! We are so glad to have you on our team
Next nomination is Natasha Cline. Here is what Tabitha has to say about Natasha:
"Always comes to work and helps out where needed without fussing. She gets our clients out in the community and takes them places they enjoy going. She always has a smile on her face. She is a true team player and loves our clients."
Strengths:
Helping new co-workers
Getting our individuals involved in community activities
Filling in when needed
Rapport with our individuals
Communication
Putting in T-Logs and ISP notes daily
Showing up to work with a smile
Not calling in
We couldn't agree more! Thank you Natasha for all you do!
We received another nomination for recognition! Leslie Combee has nominated our transportation coordinator, Scott Pickney. Here's what she had to say:
"He goes above and beyond not only for Focus programs but also for participants. I remember Scott driving from Jonesboro on a Friday and working past 5 pm to put together furniture for a participant that the furniture store failed to do upon delivery. He never frowned, got discouraged or complained. He's an outstanding and sometimes overlooked asset to Focus, Inc."
Strengths:
Building teamwork
Helping new co-workers
Getting our individuals involved in community activities
Rapport with our individuals
Communication
Showing up to work with a smile
Handling stressful situations/De-escalation
Advocating for our individuals
Thank you Leslie for your nomination! We couldn't agree more! Thank you Scott for everything you do
Our first up today is Ray Sharp. His nomination comes in from Danielle F. Here is what she has to say about Mr. Ray:
"I'd like to nominate mr. Ray for everything he does for all the centers making sure our yards/parking lot look awesome everyday and also for making everyone laugh when he comes to visit the centers. I'm not sure if he goes to all of them because I've only ever met him at Jonesboro day program when I moved here. He also makes a great Santa helper/Elvis"
Strengths:
Building teamwork
Getting our individuals involved in community activities
Communication
Showing up to work with a smile
Handling stressful situations/De-escalation
Not calling in
We could not have said it better! Focus, Inc. is incredibly lucky to have Ray!
Next up is a nomination from Amanda Perry. She has nominated Joyce Boyd Richardson. Here is what she has to say:
"Some people just make a lasting impact on you from day one. Joyce is one of those people. She’s faced many obstacles but you don’t see her show it. She shows up to work with a smile and truly cares about her individual. And the love is definitely returned."
Strengths:
Getting our individuals involved in community activities
Rapport with our individuals
Communication
Showing up to work with a smile
Not calling in
Thank you Joyce for all you do! You are an inspiration!
Our next nomination is Freddie Brown. This nomination comes in from Tanita Wathel. Here is what she has to say:
"Freddie has been the big sister helping to guide little sister in policies and procedures every since I walked into the doors 1 year ago! I have learned so much from her! Sometimes she can be stern in her approach to things, but she is always fair. I appreciate all of her skills that she has tried to impart to me. I am grateful for her guidance and a blossoming friendship!!"
Strengths:
Building teamwork
Helping new co-workers
Rapport with our individuals
Communication
Showing up to work with a smile
Handling stressful situations/De-escalation
Advocating for our individuals
Freddie, you're a rockstar! Focus, Inc. would not be the same without you!
Elizabeth Allen has been recognized by Tabitha Taylor. Here is what she has to say:
"Picks up extra hours when needed. Is knowledgeable about her clients conditions. Does her notes and tlogs on time. She truly cares about her clients and enjoys working with them."
Strengths:
Building teamwork
Helping new co-workers
Getting our individuals involved in community activities
Filling in when needed
Rapport with our individuals
Communication
Putting in T-Logs and ISP notes daily
Showing up to work with a smile
Not calling in
Thorough daily notes
Advocating for our individuals
Thank you Elizabeth!!
Brian Rankin has been nominated by Tabitha Taylor. Here is what she has to say:
"Helps out when needed and never calls in. Brian never complains and always does his job the best he can. His client also enjoys him working with him."
Strengths:
Building teamwork
Helping new co-workers
Getting our individuals involved in community activities
Filling in when needed
Rapport with our individuals
Communication
Putting in T-Logs and ISP notes daily
Showing up to work with a smile
Not calling in
Thorough daily notes
Advocating for our individuals
Thank you Brian for being a part of our team!
Madison Parrish has been nominated by Tabitha Taylor. Here is what she has to say:
"Always shows up to work. Always does what's in her clients best interest even on difficult days. Her client also loves it when she is working."
Strengths:
Building teamwork
Helping new co-workers
Getting our individuals involved in community activities
Filling in when needed
Rapport with our individuals
Communication
Putting in T-Logs and ISP notes daily
Showing up to work with a smile
Not calling in
Thorough daily notes
Advocating for our individuals
Thank you Madison for all you do!
Next up, Tanita Wathel has been nominated. Her nomination comes from Amanda Perry. Here is what she has to say:
"Tanita is always willing to help out where needed. She always seeks the positive side of people and/or circumstances and encourages others to do so as well. She truly enjoys making our individuals happy. One of my favorite things is seeing her get so excited about seeing one of our individuals get excited about something."
Strengths:
Building teamwork
Helping new co-workers
Getting our individuals involved in community activities
Filling in when needed
Rapport with our individuals
Communication
Showing up to work with a smile
Advocating for our individuals
Thank you Tanita for everything you do for Focus, Inc.
Sharon Alexander has been nominated by Tanita Wathel. Here is what Tanita has to say:
"I have known Sharon for approximately 16 years outside of the work environment and she has been the same from day one, Nice and Sweet. She likes playing games and traveling and meeting new people! She is passionate about her family, friends and the folks she serves. She has been employed with FOCUS, INC. for the last 9 years...This is meant to encourage Sharon to keep doing a great job!!! Woot Woot!!!"
Strengths:
Helping new co-workers
Communication
Not calling in
Getting our individuals involved in community activities
Putting in T-Logs and ISP notes daily
Thorough daily notes
Filling in when needed
Showing up to work with a smile
Thank you Sharon for your years with us, and thank you for everything you do!
Employee Recognition- Toga Broom has been nominated by Stormily Pillow. Here is what she has to say about Toga:
"Toga has been with Focus long before me and has been a house manager herself so she has had the opportunity to see both sides of the job! She never calls in and rarely ever requests off! She is always willing to lend a hand where needed and picking up shifts to help is something you see on a regular basis for her! She is a great asset to us!"
Strengths:
Helping new co-workers
Communication
Not calling in
Filling in when needed
Showing up to work with a smile
Advocating for our individuals
Thank you, Toga, for all that you do!
Next up we have Jenny Looney, also nominated by Stormily Pillow.
"I have worked with Jenny for approximately 4 years now and she has always been there for our clients and provided some of the best hands on care. She never calls in and is willing to fill in whenever we need her. She has been a pleasure to work along side. She is some one I always know I can count on when I need her! You can always count on her notes being entered correctly with accurate information!"
Strengths:
Rapport with our individuals
Helping new co-workers
Communication
Not calling in
Putting in T-Logs and ISP notes daily
Thorough daily notes
Filling in when needed
Showing up to work with a smile
Jenny, you are so appreciated, thank you!
ARPA Discretionary Bonuses
Focus is happy to announce bonuses coming to you!!!
We began reviewing eligibility for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and making Discretionary Bonus payments to Waiver employees starting with the 10/7/22 payroll.
Due to differing review periods, payment amounts may not be consistent in amount or in dates of payment. These payments must be taxed as a Bonus as they are not related to your normal service provision hours. Payments will be made until all available funding is exhausted. The Discretionary Bonus payments will be paid out as a separate Direct Deposit and you will see a 2nd Paystub in Paylocity for any pay period in which you receive a bonus.
We were excited to get bonuses out to you in October and November!!
The December bonus is scheduled to be deposited 12/16/22.
HOWEVER, if you are not in compliance with ALL trainings completed and submitted required documents by DECEMBER 9th, you will not receive the December bonus and it will not be available as retro pay once training is complete. (What this means- you have one shot to get everything in by Dec. 9th or you will completely miss the December bonus).
Please check your email for due Relias trainings, CPI trainings, and needed required documents. Also, check with your supervisor to see if anything else is needed.
Thank you for being a part of the Focus Team and serving our families. We appreciate you!
