Employee of the Year

Congratulations to Brigitta Ellwein, King County Victim Service Coordinator, for being nominated by her peers, as the Victim Support Services Employee of the Year, 2017! This is an award that is provided by co-workers to the team member whom they believe contributed significantly to the agency’s good work in the community throughout the year.
Brigitta has exceeded the many challenging requirements and expectations of this work, and her peers describe her as being consistently dependable, efficient, and unfailingly punctual.  Various nominations indicated that she regularly goes out of her way to help other employees with various aspects of their job. Additionally, team members said that Brigitta is organized, productive and she works diligently and effectively. Her skills do not end with her office work. She also projects a warm, cheerful attitude to clients and constituents. We have seen her resolve conflicts and handle other difficult situations with remarkable patience and admirable tact. Team members especially appreciate the leadership role that Brigitta continues to assume, as the most senior advocate at the agency. Overall, VSS wishes to recognize Brigitta for her positive contribution to workplace success, as well as her productivity and quality gains working with crime victims, survivors, and fellow professional organizations in King County. Brigitta’s ambitions, intelligence, and accomplishments complement precisely the stellar group we have at VSS, and make her highly deserving of this award!
When Brigitta was asked why she does this type of work, she referred to one of her favorite quotes. “If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together…there is something you must always remember.  You are braver then you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.  But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart…I’ll always be with you.” –A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh. 
Brigitta said, “I have discovered this to be true in many of the clients I’ve worked with over the years.  Most have never faced such difficult times but find themselves handling things they never thought they would or could.  Many stand strong in spite of their fear, many speak loud so their voice can be heard, and all find they can make it through the most trying times of their life.  I get to witness this strength and come alongside those that need support.  I am grateful for this award as the field can be so challenging but getting recognition validates that hard work. “
This award brings our warmest congratulations to Brigitta! It is an honor to be selected for this award by teammates, and it speaks highly about how well Brigitta and her work are perceived within our agency. Her continuous positive contributions are more than deserving of this recognition. We are so proud to say that you are a valued member of our team of rock stars here at VSS, and our clients and community are fortunate to have her as well!