Dianne Freeman, a 1995 alumna of Gardner-Webb University, was taught that joy comes in serving other people due in part to the the timely influence of her late grandmother as well as the growing needs of Senior Citizens like those living around her aging mother in a local HUD senior housing complex. It was her Gardner-Webb degree in Human Services and several years of experience that landed her the role of Service Coordinator/Hud Social Worker for Lions Senior Village in Shelby. In September 2009, the American Association of Services Coordinators awarded her The Service Coordinator of the Year (Elderly and Disabled) Award. She was one of four national winners who were honored for their tireless commitment to improving the physical, emotional, educational, mental, and spiritual well-being of such a special population of people.
AASC judges commended Freeman as one “who transcends her daily job duties by working to meet the needs of her residents through innovative program development and community networking.” A recent article by the Shelby Star highlighted Freeman’s initiatives. They include:
*Creating a weekly reading and writing program for illiterate residents. Freeman was able to locate a retired teacher willing to volunteer to teach the class.
*Through advocating with local and state leaders on behalf of her elderly residents, Freeman has successfully gained the attention of North Carolina State Senator Debbie Clary and other members of the General Assembly.
Freeman’s advocacy efforts also helped her play a role in House Bill 95. This bill sought to expand the health care personnel registry in North Carolina by amending the definition of health care facilities. That now includes multi-unit assisted housing properties with services, community-based providers of services for the mentally ill, developmentally disabled and substance abusers and agencies providing in-home aide services founded through the Home and Community Care Block Grant Program.
*Established a partnership with local veterinarians to help residents who can’t afford expensive medical attention for their pets; developed a food closet at Lions Senior Village to help keep the residents properly fed; and a library in the property’s community room by receiving book donations from local church members.
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