Jennifer Johnson, who has worked for St Basils for 19 years and currently manages Edmonds Court Foyer in Small Heath was nominated in the Queen's Birthday Honours back in the summer for an MBE for 'services to young people' whilst working for St Basils. Jennifer was invited to receive the MBE at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on 6th December 2011, which she attended with her son, Andrew, and sister, Janet.
Jennifer said of the experience; "It was a wonderful and humbling experience for me and my family to know that 'hard work and committment' is recognised by so many people, even when you think that no-one is watching or even vaguely interested! I hope that my experience motivates others to realise that we are appreciated as Support staff at the highest levels and that being passionate about our work with young people at St Basils reaps reward in so many ways. It was a truly inspirational experience for my son and it bought a tear to my eye to hear him say "I'm proud of you mom!"
Jennifer has been working with St Basils for 19 years. She started as a part-time Relief Cover Worker. In the same year (1992) she moved to a newly built facility in a permanent support role at Carole Gething House supporting young single people and two years later moved into a management position. For the last ten years she has been managing Edmond’s Court Foyer, supporting young people, couples and families towards independent living.
Jennifer was surprised by the nomination saying; “I have no idea who nominated me; I’ve worked with countless young people over the years. Some of them will be forty now. They come back to see me every so often; one dropped in this morning to introduce his wife and child to me. It’s great to hear how well he’s getting on.”
She added; “I’ve been given an award for doing a job I love! I’m really grateful to St Basils for giving me the opportunity to work with young people in a creative and meaningful way. It’s brilliant to be in a position where having identified a need, you can respond to it.”
Jean Templeton, Chief Executive of St Basils said;
“We are delighted and hugely proud that Jennifer has been nominated and recognised in this way. Visitors to Edmonds Court often leave inspired by the commitment and dedication that Jennifer and her team show to the young people they support. This is a reflection of the impact that inspiration has”.
Added December 2011
