Lorraine's Award

At the IARF conference yesterday Lorraine was the recipient of The Don Burke Award for Executive Excellence. This is awarded in recognition of the standard set by Don during his career as executive of Crosspoint Human Services. He always had as his personal and professional mission to provide excellent services in an environment that respected and honored staff and consumers for their abilities.

The Don Burke Award for Executive Excellence is presented each year to an individual who has displayed outstanding leadership within their organization. Nominated individuals should have made an impact in the human service field by their commitment and contributions.

Lorraine Kopczynski, President & CEO of Pioneer Center for Human Services has been advocating on the behalf of people with disabilities since she began her career at Pioneer Center in 1986 as a case worker. She has worked her way through the ranks as program manager, program director, associate director, chief operating officer, and finally in July 2005 being appointed President/CEO, while completing her master’s degree during this time.

Lorraine has been the voice for people with disabilities in McHenry County for over 22 years. She has been involved by combating the lack of governmental supports for people with disabilities by participating in numerous campaigns, committees, and other organizations that promote fairness, equal opportunity, and to encourage people with disabilities to have a voice of their own.

Under Lorraine’s leadership Pioneer Center has changed its name and expanded services to serve a broader population of people. With a new name of “Pioneer Center for Human Services” Lorraine moved forward to add new programs and services. Lorraine adopted the ‘Voice’ program, the only certified Sexual Assault Services program in McHenry County and McHenry County’s largest provider of homeless services, McHenry County PADS, which are both now under the Pioneer Center for Human Services umbrella. As a result of the recent program additions, the client numbers have increased from 1300 to over 1700 people annually.

The award can be seen in the reception area of P. West. Please congratulate Lorraine next time you see her!