September 17, 2009

Earl Weeks

Mrs. Debra Taylor, Resident Services Coordinator of the Columbus Housing Authority, has been awarded the Shields Sims Humanitarian Award by the Mississippi Association of Housing And Redevelopment Officials.

The Award, was established in 2001 to memorialize General Shields Sims for his lifetime of humanitarian service to public housing residents.

The purpose of this award is to recognize an individual public housing employee for outstanding humanitarian efforts by providing quality services that are the catalyst for changes, which positively impact the residents of public housing and their housing community. The spirit of the award is a tangible acknowledgment of service above and beyond the call of duty for the individual whose primary motivation is to make a contribution to the families, not just collect a salary.

Earl Weeks, Executive Director of the Columbus Housing Authority stated:

"Since joining the staff of the Columbus Housing Authority, in October 2002, Debra has revitalized and reinvigorated the resident services programs of CHA. She has shown a very special talent in collaborating with outside organizations to provide a wide range of services and educational opportunities for our residents. In addition, she has wisely used the limited financial resources of this Authority to further our efforts to help residents grow in knowledge and fully realize opportunities available.

Debra is a 1991 graduate of Mississippi University for Women, where she was a star on the University's Basketball Team. She furthered her education and obtained her Master's Degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Emotional Behavioral Disorders from Mississippi State University in 2002.

Debra and her husband are the parents of two children. In addition to her professional career, she is an active member of Peter's Rock Temple, Church of God in Christ, where she serves as a Christian Counselor, member of the Choir, Usher, and Praise Dancer."

In addition, The Columbus Housing Authority was also recognized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development for Excellence in "Management Operations for exemplary performance for fiscal year 2009 for outstanding resident initiatives and program management." The authority was also awarded HUD's "Asset Management Award in recognition of staff training, implementing new and innovative ways to serve constituents and demonstrating a unique commitment and success in asset management."

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