The conference is only six weeks away, and every week, we'll highlight one ARRM Cares winner. Don't forget: The ARRM Cares ceremony is Thursday, May 19, 2011 in the late afternoon--at 3:45 p.m. rather than during the lunch hour. (Attendees will be treated to dessert.) KARE11 anchor Rena Sarigianopoulos will once again emcee the event. As in previous years, ARRM Cares winners and nominees must register for the conference.Nominee: Lisa Lee
Nominator: Stephanie Burt
Agency: Dungarvin Minnesota
Lisa has been working at Dungarvin as an Independent Living Skills (ILS) staff for almost a year. In that time, Lisa has primarily worked with Hmong individuals in the community providing them the necessary services to maintain their independence and be an active member of their community. Lisa provides a vital service to the individuals she serves, as well as to the community these individuals live in.
Lisa’s ability to translate Hmong/English is an imperative aspect of her job. Her understanding of cultural, linguistic, and traditional Hmong gender differences as well as local Hmong community resources makes her a unique addition to the Dungarvin team. She is able to navigate the Hmong and English speaking community on behalf of the individuals she serves with empathy, clarity, respect, and professionalism. Lisa often explains the diversity and traditional cultural boundaries of the Hmong culture to co-workers, supervisors, medical staff, and team members and how that diversity effects the individuals she serves as well as how others can provide better, more complete assistance to Hmong individuals.
Lisa uses natural teaching opportunities to assist Hmong-only speaking individuals in learning how to better advocate for themselves and understand the English language and American culture. Lisa often advocates on behalf of and with the permission of the individuals she serves in order to provide better services, care, understanding, and assists them in navigating complex medical situations.
Lisa personalizes the services she provides by way of assisting the individuals she serves in maintaining a connection to the Hmong community in this area. She assists them in finding Hmong specialty stores and cultural community activities and resources. She is very adaptable in finding new and creative ways to assist the Hmong individuals she serves, for example, instead of assisting an individual to a grocery store, Lisa locates local Hmong markets.
Lisa translates in detail cultural differences to the individuals she serves, as well as to individuals who provide services. She is an integral piece of the ILS and Dungarvin team in providing care and assistance to a portion of our population that is often overlooked.
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