Ypsilanti resident BarBara Ford has earned a "Hero" award from Michigan Department of Human Services.

Ford, an adoption specialist with the Washtenaw County Department of Human Services in Ypsilanti, was one of 20 department employees from around the state honored for good work, teamwork and providing quality service.

Ford was awarded the agency director's "Hero" award during a ceremony June 7 in Lansing. She has worked for the DHS for 18 years.

"Barbara works fluidly with teens, foster and adoptive parents to overcome the situations they face," said Department of Human Services director Marianne Udow. "She communicates exceptionally well with children, is a solid resource to office staff, and goes out of her way to ensure the well-being of children by working long hours and giving everything she has to make success a certainty for families."

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 Ann Arbor News