Laverne Blake

Laverne Blake

2013 Dedication Award - Toronto

Ernestine's Women's Shelter 

Nominator Comments:

Laverne is recognized for her commitment to clients and staff coupled with her tireless work ethic. She is a strong promoter of advocacy both within the shelter setting and externally in the community. For example, she successfully built a solid relationship with another organization to have student lawyers visit the shelter to facilitate free legal information sessions for clients.

Laverne implemented the “Drops in a Bucket” team building initative to strengthen team relationships and to recognize individual staff for going above and beyond when assisting a client. Each staff were given a box to decorate and a notepad in the shape of drops. When a team member noticed a co-worker working exceptionally well in the fight against violence against women they could give their co-worker a personalized message to acknowledge that coworker’s strength and support to a specific client or project.

To quote her nominators: “Ernestine’s as an agency would absolutely not be where it is today without the constant drive and determination that Laverne puts forth on a daily basis.”

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