Tarlessa Edwards, activity director at Senior Citizens Inc.’s (SCI’s) Ruth Byck Adult Daytime Care Center, and Roberta Williams, Senior Companion at SCI, were recently recognized by the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving, an advocacy, education, research and service unit of Georgia Southwestern State University.

Edwards was awarded the Coastal Georgia Caregiver Network Regional Paraprofessional of the Year Award, given to someone who has demonstrated outstanding compassion and excellence in caregiving duties. Williams was named Coastal Georgia Volunteer Caregiver of the Year, a recognition that honors an individual in the area for outstanding compassion, dedication and resourcefulness in providing care as a volunteer. They are now both in the running for the Georgia Caregiver of the Year Award.

At SCI, Edwards is responsible for planning and implementing activities for seniors with physical and cognitive impairments, motivating Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), coordinating volunteers and Senior Companions and supporting the director of the Ruth Byck Adult Daytime Care Center. As a Senior Companion, Williams is responsible for assisting clients in their home environment, helping with household chores and providing companionship so they are able to remain living independently.

“Caregivers do their work quietly and invisibly and are not often recognized for their selfless acts of kindness,” said Patti Lyons, SCI president. “We are so proud of Tarlessa and Roberta for these well-deserved awards.”