Northville resident Laurena Smith has earned a "Star" award from Michigan Department of Human Services.

Smith, a community resource coordinator with Wayne County DHS Fort Wayne District in Detroit, was one of five department employees and three teams of employees from around the state honored for good work, teamwork and providing quality service. Smith received the department's "Star" award during a ceremony in Lansing Feb. 27. She has worked for DHS for 28 years.

"Laurena is recognized for community organizing and fundraising for causes ranging from food pantry to clothes closet staff action," said Department of Human Services director Marianne Udow. "She is always willing to help others and has made a positive difference in the lives of clients and coworkers."

The Star Award program is an employee recognition program started in 2007. Award winners were nominated by peers and/or managers.

For more information on the Department of Human Services go to www.michigan.gov/dhs