Overland Park Resident Wins Caring More Award for Social Work”
Olathe Edge
OVERLAND PARK, KAN. ----- Overland Park social worker Jennifer Cardinal, LMSW, has been chosen as the recipient of the Crossroads Hospice “Caring More” award. Social workers provide daily support to their patients, but few receive special recognition for their tireless efforts.
In a move to honor social workers and their advocacy for those in need, Crossroads Hospice launched the “Caring More” award for a social worker who goes above and beyond for his/her patients and community.
Tired of the roadblocks and red tape she’d encountered with the social services system as a single mother, Jennifer pursued a bachelor’s degree at 34-years-old to become the type of social worker she wished she’d had. Finding her niche with the elderly population, Jennifer now goes above and beyond for the residents of Sweet Life of Brookdale Place, from providing counseling and addressing family concerns to coordinating financial and medical resources for her residents.
“Social workers are the unsung heroes we depend on every day. They go out of their way to connect the ill to resources, counsel their families and give them the special time and attention they need,” said Scott Christ, Executive Director of Crossroads Hospice in Lenexa.
“Jennifer exemplifies what it means to go the extra mile for the people she serves, their families, her colleagues and community, and we are delighted to honor her as the recipient of the Caring More award.”
At a breakfast held in her honor, Jennifer received $500 to present to a non-profit of choice, the Bridge Program of Rose Brooks Center.
As the director of social services at Sweet Life, Jennifer is responsible for 30 long-term care residents and oversees a team of 3 social workers. In the community, Jennifer has volunteered at the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault and the Rose Brooks Center in Kansas City as a crisis manager.
“I am the voice for my residents,” said Jennifer. “I am the eyes and ears for family members when they can’t be there. The most rewarding part of my job occurs when a family member can see that their loved one is cared for. I’m only done once I’ve used every resource and every ounce of energy at my disposal for my residents.”
Crossroads Hospice is committed to being at the forefront of the hospice care industry, to continually shape the way end-of-life care is viewed and administered.
The mission of Crossroads Hospice is to provide highly unique, comprehensive, and compassionate hospice services to persons experiencing a life-limiting illness and to their caregivers. For more information on Crossroads Hospice, call (913) 850-7500 or visit www.crossroadshospice.com.