Sawyer resident Julie Becktell has earned a "Hero" award from Michigan Department of Human Services.

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

Becktell was awarded the agency director's “Hero” award during a ceremony June 7 in Lansing. She has worked for the DHS for 29 years.

"Julie has successfully recruited foster and adoptive homes in the county for some years," said Department of Human Services director Marianne Udow. "She has broad experience working with families and is a significant resource for staff in all children’s areas. Julie takes extraordinary measure working with families and children and has been successful working with children aging out of foster care."

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 Herald-Palladium