Mentor Social Worker Receives Award From Crossroads Hospice

Mentor resident Susan Hijjawi received the inaugural "Caring More" award, which recognizes social workers who exceed every expectation, from Crossroads Hospice.

Hijjawi works for the city of Cleveland's Department of Aging as a project coordinator for homelessness prevention. She provides support services to elderly people so they can find a place to live.

Sometimes that means reconnecting them with family members. Other times, it involves linking them to counseling and rehabilitation resources.

Hijjawi also is a member of the Certified Information Security Manager Team and helps debrief police, firefighters and paramedics who have been through traumatic experiences.

Hijjawi said she was surprised to receive the award, partly because no one goes into social work for the accolades.

"When the recognition comes along, it's kind of a surprise," she said, "a pleasant one."

"Social workers are the unsung heroes we depend on every day," said Stacie Beck, the executive director of Crossroads Hospice in Cleveland. "They go out of their way to connect the ill to resources, counsel their families and give them the special time and attention they need."

"Susan exemplifies what it means to go the extra mile for her clients, their families, her colleagues and community, and we are delighted to honor her as the inaugural recipient of the Caring More award," Beck added.

As part of the award, Hijjawi received $500 and another $500 for the charity of her choice. She selected the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter.

"My father has dementia, so I picked that in honor of him," she said.

Hijjawi added that while she was flattered to receive the award, there were plenty of other people who do social work that deserve the recognition just as much.

"There are so many people out there doing great things," she said. "I'm just one of many."