2018 Women of Achievement Nominees
Dana Songster, Tatman's nominator and director of the North Platte Ready to Serve Volunteer Program, wrote in her letter of recommendation of the caring heart that Tatman brings into everything she does. "Shawna loves all the seniors who come to the center. She greets them with a warm, friendly smile and makes them feel welcome and comfortable. She tries to get to know everyone on a personal basis," Songster said. "Most of these seniors are like extended family to Shawna." • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Rachel Young A 14-year-old nominee for the Volunteer cate- gory, Rachel Young has a diverse set of experi- ences and accomplishments. She was nominated for the award by Lincoln County Community Connections staff and serves on its Young Leaders team. "She is a young lady who not only strives for success within herself, but encourages those around her to find their path to success. She is a beacon of positivity that shines from within our community to all she interacts with," Heather Jensen of Community Connections said.
"I may not know all the specifics of what she has accomplished in her life and career, I know she serves her patients (and has served on the RDAP board) with immense empathy, respect, sincerity and persistence," Bonta wrote. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Andrea Hongsermeier The Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center welcomed Andrea Hongsermeier to its team in 2017, when Andrea and her husband, Jon, moved back to the area. Originally she was simply a volunteer advocate, but in the fall Bridge of Hope offered her a full-time position as advocate and forensic interviewer.
referral of community resources," said Amber Berliner, Bridge of Hope's executive director.
Along with her work at Bridge of Hope, Hongsermeier is on the North Platte Library Board, volunteers at the senior center, and has worked with Meals on Wheels to deliver food. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Shawna Tatman The Senior Center in North Platte has expanded its reach in the community under the leadership of Shawna Tatman, who is nominated in the Social Services category. As director, she has added fitness programs to the center's offerings, including strength training and tai chi. Along with extending the options at the building, she has worked to stretch the center into the community through the Meals on Wheels and Congregate Meals program, both of which she actively cooks and delivers for. Recently, Tatman secured grants that helped purchase a new pickup truck that has a heater to help with delivering warm meals. "I am always amazed at Shawna's work ethic and dedication. If we need to raise more funding for the senior center, Shawna says 'no problem, we can do it.' If we are short staffed and Shawna has to
Her role functions as the link between the families and the help they need.
Kim Hongsermeier, Andrea's mother-in-law, nominated her for the Women of Achievement award in the Social Services category because of Andrea's selflessness and heart for service. "Andrea is very generous giving her time to the families in crisis and need, being on call and available when needed. She has spent countless hours training and traveling for her position," Kim said. "Andrea is the most compassionate and caring person I know. She has the biggest heart and her love for children is evident in her life." Most recently, she attended training to become a "Steward of Children facilitator." The training program is meant to help raise awareness and educate to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. "Whether interacting with young children, teenagers or caregivers, Andrea is an excellent advocate by listening to families tell their story and assisting them with the identification and
work in the kitchen to help make meals that day, she says 'no prob- lem, I can do it.' During her tenure at the Senior Center, she has con- stantly worked to help make seniors' lives bet- ter," Community Action Partnership CEO Meredith Collins said.
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JULY 2018
WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
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