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YWCA Delaware News

Janine Brown Named
Community Health Worker Champion of 2024

Community health worker recognized for her dedication to empowering survivors and bridging communities with compassion and unwavering support

October 19, 2024

On any given day, Janine Brown, the Aftercare Community Health Coordinator for YWCA Delaware’s Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC), can be found meeting survivors of sexual violence and their families in their homes, at shelters, or within the community. She provides a lifeline of support, connecting them to vital resources such as trauma counseling, legal services, housing assistance, and more. Janine's unwavering commitment and dedication have earned her the prestigious 2024 Community Health Worker Champion Award from the Community Health Workers Association of Delaware.

“I’ve always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Brown. “Being recognized with this award feels like I’m continuing the legacy of my mother, who was my greatest inspiration.”

Janine credits her mother, a former registered nurse and director of an alcohol and drug rehabilitation center, with igniting her passion for service. Watching her mother tirelessly help families in need left a lasting impression on Janine. “She was a pillar in our community, providing meals, education, and counseling to those who needed it most,” Janine recalls. “When she passed, I knew I wanted to continue her work and be a beacon of hope for others.”

Community health workers like Janine serve as vital connectors between clients and essential services, empowering individuals to regain control of their lives after trauma. Whether it's navigating healthcare, securing safe housing, or accessing social services, Janine meets people where they are, offering compassion, resources, and advocacy.

Janine's expertise spans several areas including domestic violence, sexual assault, mental health, and substance abuse. Her ability to connect with survivors on their healing journey, treating everyone with dignity and empathy, makes her a trusted figure in Delaware's community health landscape. “I believe in always giving 110% in everything I do, meeting people with the same respect and care that I would want,” Janine said.

YWCA Delaware is proud to celebrate Janine Brown’s well-deserved recognition as the 2024 Community Health Worker Champion. Her dedication to survivors and their families is truly remarkable, and her impact on the community is felt by all who meet her.

“Janine routinely goes above and beyond for the survivors we serve,” said Elizabeth McCourt, YWCA Delaware’s Chief Health and Safety Officer. “She works tirelessly to find every available resource to assist them in their journey to healing.”

For Janine, the work is more than a job—it’s a calling. “This award means so much, but the real reward is knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of people who need it the most,” she said.

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