Jim Hitchcock was honored by the Human Service Forum with an Estseemed Service Award on November 3rd and the following is a copy of Gina Kos’s remarks:
November 11, 1990 was a wonderful day for Sunshine Village – it was the day that James Hitchcock came to Sunshine Village. At the end of this month, for 26 years, Jim has helped Sunshine Village achieve our mission of improving the lives of the people we serve. Many years – many people.
He began his employment within our Employment Services division as a Vocational Instructor and in 2001, assumed the duties of Case Manager. He also has served as a Human Rights Officer for the agency.
Through the years, Jim has demonstrated his commitment to people with intellectual disabilities by continuously advocating for their personal desires.
While a Crew Supervisor at Janlynn Corporation, Jim was the person making sure all of the individuals part of his crew were truly known to Janlynn employees. The individuals on his crew knew other employees and tenants in the building and always exchanged pleasantries with one another. The individuals supported by Jim were part of the social network and culture of the company due to his persistence.
He worked for years on the 4th floor of a large mill building and, years later, the owner of the building asked about Jim and some of his crew members by name. He truly made a strong and positive impression!
With the Employment First Initiative, many individuals Jim truly cared for were impacted and lost the ability to earn a paycheck. Jim listened to them and became their voice. He continued advocating for individuals at their ISP meetings and attended to their every need during the transition to alternative services. His calm and reassuring manner put everyone at ease.
Colleen Brosnan, Director of Day Service, has said of Jim, “Jim is an extremely kind and considerate man. His passion for the individuals Sunshine Village supports is clear to everyone he meets. He always wants people to know the true worth and value of individuals with disabilities and takes the time to share his thoughts and knowledge regarding each and every individual.
Jim’s dedication to individuals with intellectual disabilities and commitment to Sunshine Village is commendable.”
At Sunshine Village, we deliver on the promise of a great day. It’s because of employees like Jim Hitchcock that we can make that promise – and great days are had.
At Sunshine Village, everyone shines. Jim helps people to shine – and he himself, shines.
Thank you Jim for working for Sunshine Village!