2024 Jack Jonas Spirit Award Winners
January 03, 2025image list
CPRF Winner: Paula Milam
Paula Milam is like sunshine in human form. Her kindness and dedication as the Timbers Admissions & Activities Coordinator have made her an invaluable part of The Timbers community at CPRF.
At The Timbers, Paula strives to create a space where every resident feels welcomed, included, and connected. Her ability to turn any idea into a memorable experience is unmatched. Recognizing that most residents have limited mobility, transportation access, and income—she brings engaging activities and presentations to CPRF’s campus. Her resourcefulness knows no bounds; she reaches out to local businesses, schools, and organizations to recruit guest speakers, volunteers, materials, and donations to bring in new experiences. From live reindeer at Christmas, to celebrating Monet’s birthday with an art project, to learning about service dogs from KSDS Assistance, Inc. —she always ensures there’s a great mix of fun and educational activities on the schedule.
Whether stepping in as a backup driver, assisting with the GILA program, cooking a Thanksgiving feast from commodities, or serving on the Timbers Fest planning committee, Paula is always ready to offer help that extends beyond her job description.
Paula’s creativity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to serving others has made The Timbers a place where residents feel at home and part of a vibrant community. It is a joy to recognize all that she has accomplished in the short time she has been at CPRF.
Congrats, Paula!
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BTCO, Inc. Winner: Tammyra Swift-Gagre
Tammyra joined BTCO in July of last year. As Senior Mailroom Specialist, she has proven herself to be an invaluable part of the team. Her positive attitude and unwavering dedication have not gone unnoticed. She has consistently shown a drive that surpasses expectations in her role, always willing to take on new responsibilities. Her selflessness and work ethic have made her a go-to coworker in many instances. People are always comfortable seeking her out when they need assistance or input from a colleague because Tammyra jumps in without hesitation to help.
Before joining BTCO, Tammyra had a career as an EMT, the compassion required in that field has certainly carried over to her role at BTCO. Whether she’s lending an empathetic ear or helping someone navigate a tough moment during the day, her kindness has made a lasting impact on those around her. Tammyra’s character and her genuine care for her colleagues speaks volumes.
Congrats, Tammyra!
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Center Industries Corporation Winner: Scott VanAuken
Scott’s unwavering dedication and work ethic, and selflessness have been a gift to his team at Center Industries Corporation. During a busy time for the planning department, Scott filled in without hesitation and kept things moving. For the past five months, he has seamlessly balanced both roles as a Master Scheduler and work within the planning department. He took on additional responsibility without missing a beat. Despite the increased workload, Scott handled the stress with grace and remained positive—even when the demands of both jobs were extensive.
As a retired veteran, Scott’s leadership qualities of adaptability, problem solving, and resilience have carried over in his work at CIC. Even as a new planner was brought on board, Scott didn’t step back—he took on the new role of trainer, showing the new team member the ropes while still maintaining his core responsibilities. His patience and willingness to help others, even while juggling a demanding workload speaks volumes about who he is as a person. His mentorship made a seemingly impossible transition look effortless.
Congrats, Scott!
About the Award
Jack Jonas, CPRF Founder, dedicated his life’s work to serving and advocating for an underrepresented population, creating an organization based around the principle that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, has the right to an education, a career, and independence.
In honor of Jack’s legacy and spirit, CPRF established the Jack Jonas Spirit Award to recognize three employees each year who have shown dedication to the CPRF mission and who truly have a heart for those we serve.
The award winners receive a commemorative plaque and a check for $1,000 each.
All CPRF, CIC, and BTCO employees are eligible for the award.
