Harper Woods resident Jennifer Wrayno has earned a "Hero" award from Michigan Department of Human Services.

Wrayno, a social services specialist with Wayne County South Central Child & Family Services in Detroit, was one of 20 department employees from around the state honored for good work, teamwork and providing quality service.

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

"Jennifer is a highly skilled employee who works diligently to bring resources to foster children and families," said Department of Human Services director Marianne Udow. "She was instrumental in acquiring private sector donations so 510 foster children would have gifts at Christmas. Her organizational and computer skills are a great asset to the office and her 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 Connection, Grosse Pointe Farms