Rebecca Gilbert is MMI’s latest Silver U winner
Rebecca “Becky” Gilbert, a programmer/analyst for the Human Genetics Laboratory at MMI, was named the Silver U recipient for December.
In her MMI role, Gilbert creates, implements and manages unique and complex programs to serve the highly specialized needs of the laboratory which cannot be met in the commercial market.
Nominators noted not only Gilbert’s innovation, but also for her creativity, including projects such as a scarecrow she helped create for a team-building activity. Co-workers noted that it is not unusual for Gilbert to work outside her comfort area in the lab to assist other departments with unique data collection and analysis to enable colleagues to advance cutting-edge research, education and clinical services.
Gilbert is a constant presence at various community events in which she represents MMI. Nominators called her passionate about the population MMI serves and said she has been a valued member of the MMI family for decades.
Red Cross seeking volunteers from the disability community
The American Red Cross is seeking volunteers, including members of the disability community, to take part in an exercise on Jan. 31-Feb. 1.
The Red Cross is partnering with Sarpy County Emergency Management to conduct a full-scale shelter exercise, with the goal of ensuring that the agencies’ emergency volunteers are trained to work with individuals with physical, developmental and intellectual disabilities.
The Red Cross is asking for volunteers from the disability community and their families to come to the shelter as if they have been displaced from their home due to a winter storm. Individuals and their families will be registered, taken to the main cot area and given snacks/dinner. Shelter workers will then work with the individuals to see what their needs are and how they can help them.
The exercise takes place from 3 p.m. Jan. 31 through 9 a.m. Feb. 1.
There are shifts available for volunteers beginning at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. each day. The approximate time commitment would be two hours per shift. No one is required to spend the night, but the Red Cross would welcome individuals with disabilities to spend the night if they can. Volunteers will train to work with individuals with mobility issues, food sensitivities and other challenges, including language barriers.
The registration deadline is Jan. 24. To register, click here.