Gift of the Heart Award Nominations Open
Annually, Empower Simcoe recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations, who through exceptional commitment and service, have impacted the lives of the people and families supported, and employees in advancing the mission and vision of the agency.
Nominations are now being accepted in the following five categories:
Employee – honouring an employee who has gone above and beyond in their work at Empower Simcoe in impacting the lives of the people and families we support.
Volunteer – recognizing an outstanding individual who is volunteering their time and talent through exceptional commitment and service to Empower Simcoe.
Self Advocate – celebrates an individual who has shown outstanding leadership and knowledge advocating for the rights of people of all abilities. The award is intended for a person who has shown exemplary dedication to inclusion and giving back to their community.
Family – Honouring an individual or group for their exemplary dedication to fostering collaboration, advocacy and inclusion on behalf of families supported by Empower Simcoe.
Community Partner of the Year – presented to an individual, business, community group or organization that has made a significant contribution to Empower Simcoe’s mission of empowering people to live a meaningful and inclusive life.
Nominations Open for 2023/24 Awards
Click the headings below to open the award description and eligibility criteria.
Award Categories
Employee
Description:
An Empower Simcoe employee who demonstrates excellence in service through exemplary professionalism and achievements.
Eligibility:
- A full time, part time, casual, or contract Empower Simcoe employee.
- Minimum of 1 year of employment at Empower Simcoe.
Criteria – Must exhibit 3-5 of the following:
- A Champion (someone who enthusiastically promotes Empower Simcoe in a light within and outside the organization without being asked) and positive representative of the agency.
- Exhibits and promotes commitment to the values, vision and goals of Empower Simcoe and their program area.
- Makes a significant impact on the work the agency does.
- Exhibits a uniqueness in their work and/or attitude.
- Is a role model for his/her colleagues at Empower Simcoe.
- Demonstrates initiative, innovation, creativity and resourcefulness.
- Makes contributions outside of assigned work area – Demonstrates an investment in Empower Simcoe as a whole.
Volunteer
Description:
An outstanding individual who volunteers their time and talent through exceptional commitment and service to Empower Simcoe.
Eligibility:
- A current, active Empower Simcoe volunteer.
- Minimum of 1 year of volunteerism at Empower Simcoe.
Criteria – Must exhibit 3-5 of the following:
- A Champion and positive representative of the agency.
- Exhibits and promotes commitment to the values, vision and goals of Empower Simcoe.
- Has made a significant and lasting impact through volunteerism at Empower Simcoe.
- Has positively affected the lives of the people and families supported by Empower Simcoe.
- Has a passion for volunteering and is a role model for others.
Self Advocate
Description:
An individual supported by Empower Simcoe who has shown outstanding leadership and knowledge advocating for the rights of people of all abilities, and who has shown exemplary dedication to inclusion and giving back to their community.
Eligibility:
- Must be currently supported by Empower Simcoe.
Criteria – Must exhibit 3-5 of the following:
- A Champion and positive representative of the agency.
- Exhibits and promotes commitment to the values, vision and goals of Empower Simcoe.
- Makes a significant impact on the work the agency does.
- Has shown an exemplary dedication to inclusion and giving back to their community.
- Works to ensure all people belong, have equal rights, and have a sense of self-worth by having opportunities to grow.
- Is a role model for others.
Family
Description:
A family or family member who has exhibited exemplary dedication in fostering collaboration, advocacy and inclusion, or championed a cause supported/endorsed by Empower Simcoe on behalf of families supported by Empower Simcoe.
Eligibility:
- Is currently, or has been previously supported within previous 6 months by the agency.
- Any family member(s) of a person supported by, or utilizing services provided by Empower Simcoe.
Criteria – Must exhibit 3-5 of the following:
- A Champion and positive representative of the agency.
- A family member(s) who champions a cause supported/endorsed by Empower Simcoe resulting in positive change for many individuals/families receiving supports from Empower Simcoe
- Exhibits and promotes commitment to the values, vision and goals of Empower Simcoe.
- Makes a significant impact on the work the agency does.
- Promotes continued connection and meaningful participation for people and families supported.
- Works collaboratively with staff to enrich the lives of the people supported at Empower Simcoe.
- Acts as a voice for many individuals/families accessing supports and services at Empower Simcoe.
Community Partner
Description:
An individual, business, community group or organization that has made a significant contribution to Empower Simcoe’s mission of empowering people to live a meaningful and inclusive life.
Eligibility:
- A business, community group or organization that currently operates in Simcoe County.
Criteria – Must exhibit 3-5 of the following:
- A Champion of Empower Simcoe.
- Exhibits and promotes commitment to the values, vision and goals of Empower Simcoe.
- Makes a significant impact on the work the agency does.
- Has taken an active role in collaboration with our agency that resulted in a strong and deepening relationship.
- Is a role model in the community.