Traverse City resident Lisa Garcia Herr has earned a "Hero" award from Michigan Department of Human Services.

Garcia Herr, a native American foster care and juvenile justice specialist with the Grand Traverse-Leelanau County Department of Human Services in Traverse City, was one of 20 department employees from around the state honored for good work, teamwork and providing quality service.

Garcia Herr was awarded the agency director's "Hero" award during a ceremony June 7 in Lansing. She has worked for the DHS for 12 years.

"Lisa improved culturally competent services for native Americans and she helped her coworkers understand these practices," said Department of Human Services director Marianne Udow. "She regularly demonstrates passion, commitment and excellence in her work with families and in her relationships with coworkers."

The Hero award is part of the Department of Human Services Employee Recognition Program started by the department in 2004. Award winners were nominated by DHS employees and were selected for their leadership in the community, demonstrated excellence at work, and extraordinary service to families.

With more than 100 offices around the state, Michigan Department of Human Services is the state’s public assistance, child and adult welfare agency.

The department administers the federal TANF grant and Food Stamp Program (called Food Assistance in Michigan) and administers child and adult welfare programs including protective services, adoption and foster care. DHS staff also perform eligibility and case management for Medicaid and related medical assistance programs.

Special to the Traverse City Record Eagle