October 2012 Spirit of Service Award recipient: Esther Delgado

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Esther Delgado, Administrative Assistant II, Child Welfare Services, is the recipient of the October 2012 Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Spirit of Service award.

Emergency situations often arise in Child Welfare Services and decisions have to be made quickly. When Delgado discovered that a foster home might close because of non-payment, she worked diligently to find the reason behind the non-payment and corrected the situation, thereby keeping the foster home available for child placements.

Near the end of another workday, Delgado was informed that a foster home might not be approved unless particular contact information could be provided. Rather than waiting for the next workday, Delgado found the needed information and passed it along in time to gain the home's approval for child placement. Her actions helped get children placed in a local home instead of a shelter or in an alternate foster home several hours away.

Delgado says she was "just doing my job," but her diligence helps provide the best possible outcomes for Oklahoma children and families during very trying circumstances. Her colleagues say they recognize and appreciate Delgado's example of dedication to the children and families she serves.

Delgado will be recognized at the OKDHS Commission meeting on Oct. 23, 2012. 

Esther Delgado, Administrative Assistant, OKDHS Child Welfare Services

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