It is with great pleasure that the Manitoba Institute of Registered Social Workers awards Jill Hannah-Kayes, BSW, RSW for the 2014 CASW Distinguished Social Worker award for Manitoba.
Jill joined MIRSW and MASW in 1998, one year after graduation with her HBSW from Lakehead University. She served on the MIRSW Board of Directors as Western Manitoba Representative from 2005 - 2008.
After 32 years of working in health care, Jill will be retiring at the end of February 2014 from her career as a Mental Health Worker for Mental Health Services for the Elderly (MHSE) in Brandon.
Excerpts from Denise Logeot’s letter of nomination:
“Jill has tirelessly devoted herself to her clients. She can be often found working in the rural areas to support the elderly and their families, supporting, advocating and linking them with the resources that they need. Jill’s gentle nature and skilled helping have assisted countless individuals in many difficult and often isolating situations.
Jill has been a long-time supporter of MIRSW. She was a board member and encouraged myself as a student to join MIRSW in 2006 to support the profession. In 2008 when she concluded her term on the Board, Jill recruited and supported myself to be a board member. Jill has been a mentor to many young Social Workers over the years and has been a long time supporter of the Social Work Profession Act, often stating she would not retire until the Manitoba College of Social Workers was in place.
I do not know of a more deserving recipient of this award than Jill. Particularly after so many years of service, Jill deserves the recognition of the profession of Social Work in Manitoba and South-Western Manitoba.”
Excerpts from nomination support letters:
“Jill has been an integral part of the MHSE team in Brandon. Her kindness, compassion and commitment to her clients have been witnessed by many of us who have had the opportunity to work with her. Jill also takes the opportunity to share the Social Work perspective on a team often heavily represented by nursing. We agree that we do not know of a more deserving recipient of this award than Jill.”