Type Of Business:
Government Organization
Expertise:
Ms. Lewis' expertise is in social work.
Major Product/SVS:
Social Services
Hobbies/Sports:
Sports, Cooking, Sewing, Needlepoint, Volunteering Services, Advocating for the Needy
Education Degrees:
Master of Social Work, Fordham University (1986); Bachelor of Science, Empire State College, New Paltz, NY; Coursework in Leadership Building, Pace University; Burke Industrial High School, Charleston, SC
Affiliations Awards:
Trustee, Dutchess Community College; Catherine Street Community Center; Family Development Day Care Center; Advisory Board, Dutchess County United Way; Iota Pi Zeta Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority; Board of Legislators, Westchester County (1999); Association for Retarded Citizens
Place of Birth:
Hendersonville, South Carolina
Children's Names:
Jetty Ruth, Rena, Olivia
Date of Distinction:
9/16/2009
Work History:
Worker, Greek Restaurant; Soda Fountain Clerk, Local Restaurant; Seamstress, Clothing Factory; Defense Plant Worker; Case Manager, Dutchess County Department of Mental Hygiene; Social Worker, Wassaic Development Center
Career Achievements:
Social Work Coordinator, Maranatha Human Services, Poughkeepsie, NY
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
Ms. Lewis feels that she is separated from other professionals in her industry by her keen interest in the concept of resilience and her longstanding advocacy for an approach to parenting, education and therapy practices based upon identifying and nurturing each person's strengths or 'islands of competence.'
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
Ms. Lewis' greatest career achievements have been recognizing and rewarding good practices for those she serves, persuading others to turn situations around before they become negative, customizing motivation to individuals by knowing their strengths and weaknesses, improving work environment morale, boosting productivity and developing peer interrelationships and a strong professional identity. She has also taught the integration of knowledge, skills and preparation of problem solving techniques to achieve success.
Expanded Biography:
Ms. Lewis has been drawn to a relatively new and promising area of psychology with a perspective on human behavior that addresses strengths and virtues rather than an individual's weakness.
Charity:
House of Faith; Neighborhood Restoration; Habitat for Humanity; Former Member of the Board of Trustees, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Poughkeepsie, NY (1995); Feed the Children, United Way; Church Food Services; To God be the Glory Food Pantry; House of Faith Ministries, Inc.
Number Of Years In Profession:
22
Number Of Years In Current Position:
6
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her hard work and perseverance.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession because she wanted to help people in her community.
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Lewis believes in empowering and enhancing the neighborhood watch using targeted strategies to foster collaboration. Ms. Lewis has three daughters named Jetty Ruth, Rena and Olivia and three stepchildren named Zachary, Elliot and Nadine. Her grandchildren are Rhonda, Deneen, Elnora and Jean. She also has three great-grandchildren: Anissa, Jani and Manquel.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Managing the Budget to Apply for Community Funds, Raising Emergency Funds for Homeowners, Acting as a Liaison for the City of Poughkeepsie School District, Advocating for Seniors and Children, Working Closely with Department Heads, Counseling
Education Certifications:
Licensed Master Social Worker; Licensed Cosmetologist; Certification in Management, Ulster County Community College; Certificate in Make-up, Manicuring and Facial Treatment
Awards/Honors:
101 Black Women Certificate of Empowerment (2001); Marist College President Award for Honoring Leader of the Community, Mid Hudson Valley (1999); Certificate of Participation, Circle Number 5, Family Reunion (1997); Recognition for Outstanding Community Service for the Citizens of Poughkeepsie, Trinity Temple Church (1988); Joan and Joe Simon Award for Commitment to Ameliorating Oppressive Social Conditions (1986); Certificate of Appreciation, United Negro College Fund Drive; Certificate of Appreciation, Dutchess County Girl Scout Council; Certificate of Appreciation, Dutchess County Office of the Agency Senior Advocacy Committee; Certificate of Appreciation, Ebenezer Baptist Church; Certificate of Appreciation, New York State Special Olympics Wall of Tolerance Foundation; Certificate of Appreciation for Promoting and Supporting the American North East Indian Group; Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Support and Service to Poughkeepsie School District Students, Sister 2 Sister, Brother 2 Brother; Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Community Service, City of New Rochelle, Office of the Mayor; Martin Luther King Award for Best Exemplifying the Qualities of Life for People, St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church; Award, The Northern Federation of Women's Clubs Inc.; Student Award for Outstanding Studies, Fordham University; Dutchess County Commissioner of Mental Hygiene for Outstanding Service; Office of the Attorney General Community Service Award