Saturday, October 25, 2014

Joan Haskins Honored With Operation PAVE Champion Award

This is from Paralyzed Veterans of America:

Joan Haskins Honored With Operation PAVE Champion Award



Operation PAVE counselor Joan HaskinsJoan Haskins’ role as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for Paralyzed Veterans of America’s Operation PAVE program (Paving Access for Veterans Employment) enables her to do what she likes to do most—serve veterans, those who need employment information, counseling, direction, and focus so they can make realistic decisions for themselves.  It is that passion and commitment, juxtaposed with her skill as a Masters-level, certified vocational rehabilitation counselor, which has earned her the very first “PAVE Champion Award.”


The new award recognizes the PAVE employee who best embodies the principles of compassion, professionalism, initiative and spirit, while paving access for veterans’ employment. Sherman Gillums, deputy executive director of Paralyzed Veterans of America, presented the award to Haskins during Paralyzed Veterans Golf Open (PVGO), which raises money to support the PAVE program. “The PAVE Champion Award signifies excellence in opening doors of opportunities for the underserved veterans and caregivers who access our services,” said Gillums. “Joan has demonstrated by her example that economic self sufficiency and vocational fulfillment are possible for virtually anyone who turns to PAVE for our cost-free, customized, one-on-one services."


It is a lifelong stewardship for Haskins.  For more than 35 years, she has worked steadily in the field of vocational rehabilitation. She was a vocational rehabilitation counselor for two counseling practices before opening her own in 1980, and has served as a consultant for the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Social Security. 


In 2009, Haskins was recruited by Paralyzed Veterans to serve as vocational rehabilitation counselor in the Long Beach, Calif. chapter. Since then, she has utilized her extensive knowledge and experience to champion veterans in the workplace, and forged strong relationships with civilian and federal hiring authorities in California, Arizona, Hawaii, Alaska, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Utah. Her tireless advocacy has helped hundreds of veterans secure meaningful positions or jobs.  She is an asset to the PAVE team, an invaluable resource to disabled veterans, and a worthy first recipient of the Operation PAVE Award of Excellence.


Congratulations to Joan Haskins for her accomplishments. Paralyzed Veterans of America deeply appreciates her contributions to our mission.


Learn more about Operation PAVE