It's always nice when your hard work gets noticed, right?
Colleen Brubaker's dedication to her job and the people she assists has definitely been noted by those around her, and she was recently awarded the 2011 Counselor of the Year Award for all of her hard work.
The award, given by the
Michigan State Housing Development Authority, or MSHDA, recognizes the efforts of a counselor who goes above and beyond, who has overcome personal challenges or who has made an impact on the community. Brubaker, who has been a home ownership counselor with Mid Michigan Community Action for more than seven years, was selected from 220 counselors throughout Michigan for her exemplary skills in helping people overcome adversity and achieve their goals.
"Colleen truly listens to what the client is trying to achieve and helps them determine realistic goals," says Deb Schafer, the Mid Michigan Community Action Outreach Services assistant director. "She provides clients with the tools to move forward in their life journey and empowers them."
Brubaker provides homebuyer education, credit counseling, financial self sufficiency and budgeting counseling to hundreds of families across eight counties. Many of the people that she has worked with have been able to purchase a home with assistance from the Individual Development Account program.
Brubaker has counseled 800 families during the past seven years.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Deb Schafer, Mid Michigan Community Action
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