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Mokena Care Coordinator Earns DSCC’s Award of Merit

November 25th, 2024

Meeka Harris earns the 2024 DSCC Award of Merit. She has long, dark hair that is parted at the side and braided in many narrow braids, She has light brown skin, a beautiful smile and brown eyes, She is wearing a grey t-shirt and silver hoop earrings.

DSCC honors Meeka Hudson for her dedication to supporting Illinois children and youth with special healthcare needs and their families

Care Coordinator Meeka Hudson is the 2024 recipient of the University of Illinois Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) Award of Merit.

The award recognizes exceptional employees for outstanding dedication and service to Illinois children with special healthcare needs and their families.

Meeka is a Care Coordinator in the Mokena Regional Office. She joined the Core Program team in 2018 and has played an invaluable role in empowering families ever since.

“Meeka is an exceptional Care Coordinator with a passion for helping her participant families navigate difficult situations and finding ways to reduce stress in their lives,” DSCC Executive Director Thomas F. Jerkovitz said.

“Her teammates praise her dedication, knowledge of resources and willingness to help. Meeka has also been instrumental in developing valuable education and networking opportunities for families based at the Mokena office.”

Meeka’s colleagues in the Mokena office nominated her for the award, noting her positive influence, expertise, compassion and creativity.

“Meeka’s dedication to her role is evident in everything she does,” Mokena Assistant Regional Manager Tami L. Peleckis said. “She is always ready to lend a hand, provide guidance, and share her expertise with her colleagues. Her positive attitude and willingness to go the extra mile make her an indispensable asset to our team.”

Program Coordinator Assistant Leslie Leske-Ely praised Meeka’s ability to break down information into manageable steps and empower families to take charge of their situations.

Meeka Hudson, second from left, poses with three of her teammates during the 2023 Mokena Winter Wonderland event for families.

“She provides positive and innovating contributions to our office. Her ideas help in improving our office morale and family engagement,” Bilingual Care Coordinator Ana Lule said. “Meeka consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that families receive the support and resources they need. She approaches every case with empathy and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.”

Mokena Regional Manager Deanna Deleshe has worked with Meeka since she started at DSCC. When Meeka’s participant families wanted a space to network with other families in their same situation, Meeka saw a need and shared an idea with Deanna.

“Meeka was the inspiration behind our pilot of the Mokena Family Networking and Education Group called the Mokena Connection,” Deanna said. “Meeka also, along with other team members, was the inspiration behind all of our in-person office events (for participant families). We do our Winter Wonderland, our Spring Fling, our Summer Extravaganza and our Trunk or Treat.”

Meeka said she is “deeply honored and incredibly grateful to receive the 2024 Award of Merit.”

“This recognition is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the support, encouragement and inspiration I’ve received from the Mokena Regional Office Team,” Meeka continued. “I am truly fortunate to work alongside such talented, dedicated individuals.”

Meeka thanked DSCC’s leadership and added a special thank you to her managers Deanna and Tami, whose belief in her has made all the difference.

“This award is a testament to the teamwork, hard work, and passion that we put into everything we do,” she said.

Learn more about Meeka and her exceptional service to families in this video below:

DSCC staff nominated a total of 13 of their colleagues for this year’s Merit Award. As the winner, Meeka will receive a Merit Award memento, a $2,500 award and recognition from the Executive Director.

Congratulations to the rest of our 2024 DSCC Award of Merit Nominees:

  • Daniel “Dan” Beagles, Training and Development Specialist, Mokena Regional Office (RO)
  • Becky Helmink, Program Coordinator Assistant, Olney RO
  • Andrea Hoskinson, Assistant Director Operations-Finance, Accounting and Procurement, Central Administrative Office (CAO)
  • Amanda Kaufman, Care Coordinator, Home Care (HC) Region 3
  • Cristina Lazala, Bilingual Program Coordinator Assistant, HC Region 2
  • Cathleen “Cathy” Morrissey, Program Coordinator Assistant, Mokena RO
  • Patricia Perez, Assistant Director of Operations-Research and Practice Initiatives, Chicago RO
  • Yariela “Yari” Ramirez Beccue, Program Services Specialist, CAO
  • Mary Ratermann, HC enrollment Specialist, St. Clair RO
  • Adell Scott, Manager of HC Quality Improvement, St. Clair RO
  • Paige Town, Assistant Regional Manager, Rockford RO
  • Imani Wornum, Care Coordinator, HC Region 5

Learn more about all of the 2024 nominees in this recap video of the Award of Merit luncheon on Oct. 29 in Springfield: