1996 Cooperman-Bogue Award Winners

1996 Annual Award Winner

Bob Arnold, M.A. is a child and family support program community outreach counselor with The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast.  Supervisor Stacy Orloff says that Bob has a way of comfortably showing and sharing his feelings with families, to let them know that it is okay to feel whatever they are feeling.  He is truly non-judgmental.  One of the family members he helped writes:  "Bob was fantastic with my sons and grandsons.  His help saved me from trying to explain what was happening when even I couldn't understand.  He continued to call and keep in contact even when I had to draw inward."

1996 Quarterly Award Winners

Mary Spann is a family support worker with Healthy Families Pinellas.  She helps parents to bond with their babies, and understands how children develop, the goal being the prevention of child abuse and neglect in the at-risk families she visits.  Among the examples given by supervisor Pat Nolan exemplifying Mary's dedication is her advocacy for two teen parents, who had been expelled from school.  While other professionals turned away, Mary pursued and was able to negotiate special placements for these teens.  She tackles challenges, rather than giving up and walking away.

Pam and Tony Bryant are therapeutic foster care parents with Suncoast Center for Community Mental Health.  They work with special needs children...children considered difficult and possibly unreachable...children who have been in other homes with unsuccessful results.  Mr. Bryant's philosophy is one of a continuous hands-on approach to child rearing.  When they need help at school, he is there swiftly.  When at home, a list of tasks awaits helping them reconsider their behavior.  At the time of their nomination, the Bryant's had "graduated" four boys.  The boys had improved their reading skills, were successful at school, had developed both a positive self image and a need to do well in their lives.

Anita Antoichik, LCSW, is a clinical social worker at Bayfront Medical Center.  Her responsibilities revolve around advocacy, counseling, and discharge planning.  On her own initiative, she developed two educational campaigns for hospital staff on child abuse and domestic violence.  She has received letters from the St. Petersburg Police Department and patient family members regarding her professional and caring attitude.  According to nominator, Mary Ann Wanucha, Anita has gained the respect of social work colleagues, emergency room physicians and nurses.  "She is a champion for all!" 

To nominate an outstanding human service provider contact Eddie Burch
Call Eddie: 727-547-5676

Email Eddie: eburch@jwbpinellas.org