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Betty Dent Community Builder Award This award recognizes an AADD employee who consistently exceeds the expectations of his/her position in support of the agency’s mission. Betty Dent has worked for AADD for 29 years. According to Lesa Hope, the Director of the Community Services Division, Ms. Dent is one of the most tremendous advocates she has ever known. Dr. Hope says that Ms. Dent routinely moves mountains, taking on the most difficult challenges with passion and grace. Ms. Dent often tells us that her husband of 21 years, Horace, is very supportive of her and her work, as are her two sons and their families. Ms. Dent serves the agency as an Outreach Specialist. She provides support to families with disabilities and helps them to live independently. She works to keep them out of institutions, helps them find housing, obtain jobs, attend school, helps them with their finances and banking, arranges transportation, assists with doctor visits; the list goes on and on. She is typically working with 20-22 individuals at one time. Half of the families she serves have been with her for more than 18 years. To Ms. Dent, the individuals and families are not just participants in a program; they are like family to her. Twenty years ago, Grady Hospital made a referral to AADD to help a homeless couple with disabilities. Ms. Dent has been involved with this family from the beginning, providing a range of services and support. Ms. Dent also helps to support the two young adult children in the family. For ten years, the parents have held steady restaurant jobs, and Ms. Dent still checks in with the restaurants each week. Recently, this family’s home was crushed by a tree during a storm. The family was devastated and weeping, but once Ms. Dent arrived, the dad said he knew everything would be okay because “Miss Betty” was there. Ms. Dent has always had a heart to serve others, particularly mothers and children. She brings her experience as a mother and grandmother to her job. It is one of her personal missions to help women and mothers, particularly those in abusive situations, learn to be independent. Ms. Dent’s presence in the lives of the people she serves has made a significant difference. She is an effective advocate for the people she supports, and a tremendous ambassador for AADD. |
Betty Dent
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