Fourteen Michigan Department of Human Services employees from around the state are winners of a "Star" award for their participation in the Technical Assistance Team - or TAT - Training Unit.

"The TAT Training Unit helps department employees improve the quality and accuracy of the Food Assistance Program," said Department of Human Services Director Marianne Udow. "The team provides training, a statewide conference, and other assets for employees in light of record high and increasing caseloads."

The "Star" awards are given to DHS employees and teams from around the state for their good work, teamwork and providing quality service. The team members received their award alongside two other teams and five individual employees receiving award during a Feb. 27 event in Lansing.

Team members are:

• Gwen Henderson-Kenley from Oak Park.
• Engrid Daniels from Redford.
• Fran Snider from Potterville.
• Kathy Johnson from Ecorse.
• Kimberly Todd, Linda Bridgforth and Ruby Weathers from Detroit.
• Lupe Koutsobos from Lansing.
• Rita Tyler from Monroe.
• Sharon Kinney of Clio.
• Susan Hengesbaugh from Westland.
• Ursula Barrett of Canton.
• Victoria Falcon-Eggert from Carsonville.
• Willenoa Brown of Pontiac.

The Star Award program is an annual 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