Home School Liaison Worker for the Lloydminster Public School Division (LPSD) Gina Nelson has received a provincial award for her work with families in the community.
Nelson was given the Arbos Award for Distinguished Support of Education and the Teaching Profession last month. The award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to education through advocacy and support. Nelson says that she was humbled and flattered by receiving the award.
“It’s a great honour and it’s even more of an honour when my colleagues are the ones who put the nomination forward. I had one family also participate in the application process so I want to thank her as well.”
Superintendent of Education Brent Thomas says people like Gina in the education system help under privileged kids get the same opportunities as others.
“Gina is instrumental in helping families and helping kids be connected to our schools. She supports teachers, she supports administrators, she supports kids and their learning. She’s that conduit to make sure the kids have the chance to succeed in our school.”
Nelson has worked with LPSD for the past eight years helping families in the Lloydminster by providing support in all areas.
“If children have special needs it’s helping advocate for resources because sometimes parents don’t want to go by themselves in case they miss information or don’t know what exactly to say, so that’s some of the stuff I do. I connect families to the food bank and I’ll take them there to ensure they get what they need,” says Nelson.
In Nelson’s position working closely with community partners is important in making sure families get what they need whether that be glasses for children or furniture for a home.
“I work closely with the Interval Home, they’ve helped me with Christmas presents for families in need, the First Baptist Church donates 150 Christmas baskets every year to our division for families in need. I also have the Salvation Army and the Olive Tree who support me in ensuring that my families get what they need in regards to clothing or food.”
Nelson hopes the recognition shows others that there is a need in the community to support families.