Josephine Bangura, a direct service professional at The Arc of Howard County, was presented with the Amanda and Jill Dean Direct Service Professional Award at the Community Foundation of Howard County’s Annual Dinner & Celebration of Philanthropy on December 5 at Turf Valley Resort.
The Amanda and Jill Dean Direct Service Professional Award was established to honor exceptional employees in the direct service professional field who have made a significant impact on the lives of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. This award is presented annually and includes a $1,000 cash gift as a token of appreciation for the outstanding dedication and commitment demonstrated by the recipient.
Josephine’s unwavering dedication to her work and her profound impact on the people she supports set her apart as a shining example of excellence at The Arc of Howard County. Her compassion, empathy, and tireless efforts have not only improved the quality of life for those she serves but have also inspired her colleagues and peers.
One of Josephine’s peers said this of Josephine as part of her nomination, “Josephine does an outstanding job for sisters supported by The Arc of Howard County, Janice and Carlotta. She cares for their health, safety, and happiness. Josephine stands out as making a significant impact on the lives of people with I/DD. She supports Carlotta as she battles cancer for a second time in just a few years by being a dependable and loyal ally. She ensures that Carlotta understands the importance of rest and a healthy diet during this time and she provides Carlotta with opportunities to rest and eat. God comes first, and Josephine comes second.”
The award, created by Richard and Carol Dean in honor of their daughters Amanda and Jill, has been an annual tradition at The Arc of Howard County for close to a decade. In 2022, Richard and Carol sought to set up a permanent endowment for the award at the Community Foundation to keep this important recognition ongoing in perpetuity. We are overjoyed to include this recognition tonight for the first time at the foundation’s Annual Dinner & Celebration of Philanthropy.
Amanda & Jill Dean Direct Service Professional Award History
2023: Josephine Bangura
2022: Nikia Tucker
2021: Phelisa Smith-Huff
2020: Annie Caldwell
2019: Joe Collins
2018: Robert Kress
2017: Rose Ofori-Amato