Worker, firm honored during disability event

Talk about it

Two awards were handed out at the Cal Schultz Memorial Event Tuesday night in Mitchell.

Joanne Hofwolt was honored as the Outstanding Employee with a Disability. The award is given to an employee with a disability in recognition of outstanding achievements in competitive employment by overcoming a disability, as well as providing inspiration for other individuals with disabilities.

“Others deserve this more than I do,” she said as she accepted the honor. Her disability is a vision impairment.

Hofwolt works at Home Instead as a caregiver. Her duties include light housework, cooking, accompanying clients to appointments, and serving as a companion to her clients. She graduated from Mitchell High School and went on to receive her social work degree from Dakota Wesleyan University.

She is active with the Mitchell Wesleyan Church as well as the Mitchell community.

Mike Svatos, of AKG, and Steve Dirkes, of The Best Western, were also nominated.

Home Instead was given the Outstanding Employer of the Year award.

The award is given for outstanding achievements in improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Karen Slykhuis and Jan Jerke, of Home Instead, accepted the award. The company adapts its needs based on the qualifications of the employees.

They are willing to make adaptations and accommodations on job requirements so that their employees can accomplish them with little to no assistance.

The Best Western and Pirogues, owned by Jim and Dorothy Tipton, were also nominated.

Tags: life, updates, local, mitchell, honor, award, disability