Deloris Johnson Receives Ripple of Hope Award

30 September 2015

Congratulations go out to Deloris Johnson, Team Lead, for being selected as a recipient of the 11th Annual Ripple of Hope Award. Nominated by her coworkers, Deloris was chosen from among 300 nominations as an individual within The MENTOR Network whose work has led to positive change and created a legacy for others to follow. Deloris also received The MENTOR Network’s Commitment to Excellence Award in May 2015.

Joy Grafton, Program Director for Alabama MENTOR, says, “Deloris will go above and beyond to do what it takes to help the children/teens we serve. Children in care know Deloris’s cell number by heart and know that, if they need advice or help, Deloris is a caring connection to call.”

Deloris has been a valued member of the Alabama MENTOR team for nearly 10 years. She started her career here as a caseworker, then transitioned to clinical coordinator, and was later promoted to the role of Clinical Team Lead.  She exemplifies The Network’s commitment to providing opportunities for staff to develop professionally within their field.

In addition to representing the organization’s professional opportunities, Deloris also embodies our philosophy. Alabama MENTOR emphasizes partnerships—with those we serve, their families, Mentors (foster parents), our staff, public partners, and the communities in which we work—to help the children and youth we serve shape the direction of their own lives in community-based settings.

“Deloris understands the importance of strong partnerships,” said Neil Brandmoen, Operating Group President. “Through her work, she demonstrates how building positive, meaningful relationships can make all the difference for the people we serve.”

Deloris and the other Ripple of Hope winners will be honored during a special ceremony on October 28, 2015, at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute in Boston, Massachusetts.