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Four program nominees, one from each U.S. territory, were submitted for consideration for the 2006 National Social Services Award. The nominees were: Bell Shelter of Los Angeles (West), Access House Safe Haven Project of Kansas City (Central); Harbor Light Center Health, Wellness and Medical Clinic Partnerships of Pittsburgh (Eastern) and Sallie House of St. Petersburg, Florida (South).
The recipient of this year’s award for most outstanding program was presented to Sallie House of St. Petersburg, Florida. An emergency shelter for abused children, Sallie House has been providing safety and security for children removed from their homes due to abuse or severe neglect. The children may stay at the shelter until protective arrangements have been made—some have stayed for as long as two years.
Each U.S. Territory submitted the name of an individual to receive the 2006 National Award of Excellence in Social Work. The recipients were Claire Woods, executive director of programs for women and children in The Salvation Army’s Family Treatment Services program of Honolulu, Hawaii (West); Bernadine Martin, director of social services for the Duluth, Minn. corps (Central); Jim Haber, manager of substance abuse services at The Salvation Army’s Cleveland, Ohio Harbor Light (East) and Karen Braun, director of social services for The
Salvation Army’s St. Petersburg, Florida Area Command (South).
The West’s honoree, Claire Woods, joined the staff of The Salvation Army’s Honolulu Residential Treatment Services for Children and Youth in 1982. In 1993, she became executive director of the Army’s Family Treatment Services, which had emerged from the Residential Treatment Services.
Under her leadership, the programs became nationally accredited. She has been a tireless advocate for women and families and young children, serving on state task forces, testifying at the legislature, and chairing the Substance Abuse Providers Coalition. Because of her dedication and love, The Salvation Army Family Treatment Services is one of the best facilities of its kind.