Elder Abuse Adult Protective Services Employee of the Year Dawna Reyes
ALTSD News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) has presented Dawna Reyes with the first annual Russell Cain Elder Abuse Adult Protective Services Employee of the Year Award.
This award is given to an ALTSD employee within the APS division who exemplifies a commitment to serving their fellow New Mexicans with empathy, compassion and professionalism.
Deputy Director Esperanza Lucero of ALTSD’s Adult Protective Services (APS) said, “Dawna was selected for this award because not only does she represent the reporting standard that we try to uphold at APS, but she does so with empathy, compassion and expert listening and patience. Dawna maintains an enthusiasm and dynamism that inspires her colleagues and works tirelessly to make sure that we are providing our clients with the best services possible.”
ALTSD Cabinet Secretary Katrina Hotrum-Lopez stated, “Dawna is an example of the kind of incredible workers we have here at ALTSD and the difference that committed and compassionate caseworkers can make in the lives of our older adults and adults with disabilities. I am incredibly proud of the work of my entire staff, and especially the hard work done by our APS caseworkers like Dawna.”
The award was named for the late Russell Cain, a former regional manager of the APS division of ALTSD. Cain was known as a positive person, always smiling and excited to serve his community. He was an Army veteran, loved the outdoors and his Harley, and especially loved his wife and two children. Cain passed away in January of 2022, after serving the state for more than 20 years.
ALTSD News:
The State of New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department [ALTSD] serves more than 200,000 seniors, adults with disabilities, and caregivers across the state with support, services, and resources. Throughout the pandemic, ALTSD provided more than 4 million meals to seniors and adults with disabilities and continues to provide approximately 21,000 grab-n-go meals each day. With a dedicated staff and the help of 4,700 senior volunteers, the department strives to help thousands of New Mexicans achieve healthy aging, attain lifelong independence, and maintain their dignity.