Ithaca resident Lois Fanslow has earned a "Hero" award from Michigan Department of Human Services.

Fanslow, an adult services worker with the Clinton County Department of Human Services in St. Johns, was one of 20 department employees from around the state honored for good work, teamwork and providing quality service.

Fanslow was awarded the agency director's "Hero" award during a ceremony June 7 in Lansing. She has worked for the DHS for 25 years.

"Lois is a committed employee who draws on partnerships with local resources to best serve at-risk adults," said Department of Human Services director Marianne Udow. "Lois regularly improves life for clients while carrying an extremely high caseload, all the time being a most important trainer for new employees just starting out in this demanding field."

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 Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun