(l to r) Martha Knight, Roseanne Dicochea, Heather Freitas, Supervisor Jessica Duran and Alma Lan.Heather Freitas, Self Sufficiency Counselor III for HHSA’s Visalia’s District Office, received the Literacy Advocate award today. Jeff Scott, Tulare County Deputy Librarian, presented the quarterly award on behalf of the Library’s Read to Succeed Literacy program. In making the award, Mr. Scott said, “Heather has been a leader in encouraging her clients to take advantage of the literacy program’s services. Your support and efforts show that you care about those you serve and are committed to making a difference in their lives.”
The honor was designed for HHSA counselors and specialists who have referred their clients to a joint program developed by HHSA and the Library Literacy Center. Mrs. Freitas is a five-time winner of the award.
The program is designed to better equip HHSA clients in finding and keeping employment. It is unique in its focus. The Literacy Center provides one-on-one tutoring, which is particularly successful with individuals who do poorly in a classroom setting. At the same time, HHSA counselors like Mrs. Freitas make sure clients have the practical necessities, such as child care or bus tokens, to ensure their participation.
In addition to Mr. Scott, the presentation today was attended by HHSA administration representatives Donna Ortiz, TulareWORKS Division Manager; Karen Hansen, Employment Services Unit Manager, and Jackie Whitney, HHSA Visalia Office Unit Manager. The staff of Mrs. Freitas’ unit also attending the ceremony were Supervisor Jessica Duran, and Self Sufficiency Counselors Alma Landeros, Roseanne Dicochea and Martha Knight.
More than 200 referrals have been made to the program by HHSA staff from the five TulareWORKS offices in Tulare County.
