It was impossible for the committee to choose only one April Employee of the Month, as these two TRULY one-of-a-kind human beings bring infinite pleasure, warmth, and dedication to all those they serve at St. Joe's. The quality of work they each bring to St. Joe's daily has PROFOUNDLY impacted our agency, and we cannot imagine this home without them!

Here's some of what Finbar's and Kate's nominators had to say:

• I would like to nominate Finbar Kinsella. The mission of SJCH is “Giving Children a Home” and there are few things that can create a more home-like atmosphere than a delicious, nutritional meal prepared by someone who truly cares about the people who are going to be enjoying the fruits or his/her labors. Finbar has transformed our meal services from an institutional cafeteria serving institutional food into an environment of friendliness and warmth serving thoughtfully-prepared, home-cooked meals. Finbar greets every child by name, knows what foods they like and dislike, and has an uncanny ability to encourage our very picky eaters to expand their culinary horizons. Finbar is every bit as involved and integral to the healing process of our residents as those who work in a more direct role with the children. They smile when they see him, share their silly jokes with him, and tell him about the ups and downs of their day and he always makes the time to listen - even when I am sure he has a hundred other things he needs to be doing to keep the kitchen running smoothly. You can’t have a true home without the physical, emotional, and social sustenance that comes with a good meal; with Finbar’s addition to the agency, the home we offer has become all the more positive and bright.
• I would like to nominate Kate Biagi. Kate is a valued Volunteer Coordinator. Many great things have been happening around St. Joe's and a lot of those are the responsibility of Kate. She always has the children's well-being first and foremost in her thoughts and actions. In the short amount of time she has been here, she has organized at least 40 professional groups that have landscaped, painted, cleaned, repaired and spruced up our surroundings and she has also arranged for an unknown amount of single volunteers that have spent numerous hours working with our children and adults in the Child Development Center. She is truly committed every day to making sure St. Joe's is a better place to work. She is cool and confident, even under the most impossible situation. She is used to being pulled in several different directions at one time and handles it elegantly. She has always happily accepted every new project and work change with both an open mind and open hands. She is truly an asset to St. Joe's.