Holy Redeemer Health System, Huntingdon Valley, Pa., recently named Laurie Cicero, RN, as its employee of the year for going above the call of duty as the supervisor of the teaching homemakers program, according to a news release.

Based in the HomeCare-North office in Elizabeth, N.J,, Cicero manages seven certified home health aides who provide services to families in Union County. Under Cicero’s leadership, the teaching homemakers staff has helped many families remain intact by providing guidance and instruction on parenting, home-management and budgeting skills, according to the release. Her team also links families with community resources.

When Cicero receives a referral, she and her team work to admit families into the program as soon as possible. Cicero even came into work on a day she was scheduled to leave for vacation to admit a family into the program, according to the release.

For new referrals, Cicero makes the first-home visit with the case worker and the assigned staff member. She identifies the family’s needs and works with the family to develop a plan of care, according to the release.

In addition to providing counseling and guidance, Cicero and her team also secure gift donations for children at holidays and birthdays. Donations of food also are distributed to families in need. Holy Redeemer’s employee of the year receives an extra week of paid vacation and $300.