2017 Award Winners


Winners from left to right: Diane Entwistle, Legend; Kelly Kelland, Leader; Paulina Weslowski, Hero; and Damian Brennan, Rising Star

2017 Rising Star - Damian Brennan

Damian Brennan, Community Support Worker, Chilliwack Society for Community Living

A newcomer to the community social services sector, Damian has shown immense promise in working with individuals who have exceptional behavioural support needs. He uses his skills as a musician to connect with individuals and devotes much of his own time and resources to supporting them. This includes being available to family members at off hours, using his own networks to connect individuals to their community and being a generally upbeat person that colleagues can turn to.

2017 Hero Award - Paulina Weslowski

Paulina Weslowski , Community Support Worker, Semiahmoo House Society

Paulina has been particularly passionate about building an inclusive and multicultural community throughout the Lower Mainland. Paulina’s efforts to share her Mexican heritage are notable in her involvement with the Mexican Migrant Farm Worker program at her church, as well as her facilitation of and participation in multicultural dance and Spanish language programs. Paulina is also an active volunteer and has lent her efforts at soup kitchens, a senior facility and thrift shop.

2017 Leader Award - Kelly Kelland

Kelly Kelland , CEO, Interior Community Services

A respected leader in the community, Kelly is a ‘people person’ who is as equally well-loved by individuals served as she is by her staff. Serving Interior Community Services for 27 years, Kelly nearly doubled the agency’s budget since she took the helm eight years ago and has been instrumental in expanding program offerings and advocating for the sector. She is admired for her personal and caring approach to all members of staff and for her dedication to the guiding principle that all people are cared for and cared about.

2017 Legend Award - Diane Entwistle

Diane Entwistle, CEO, Okanagan Boys & Girls Clubs

As a lifelong employee of the social services sector, Diane is respected by both staff and the community at large for her mentorship and willingness to share expertise with various organizations, committees and businesses. While her reach is national, Diane is most proud of her efforts to cultivate up-and-coming staff through a leadership program she conceived and is actively spearheading. This passionate support for staff and for building a positive work environment are what endear employees to Diane so much.