‘Inspirational’ Olena nominated for The Guardian newspaper’s national public servant of the year award
Olena Batista, of Clarion Housing Group, has made the shortlist for The Guardian’s ‘public servant of the year’ award. - Credit: Archant
An “inspirational” woman who works across Fenland has made the shortlist for The Guardian’s ‘public servant of the year’ award.
Olena Batista, of Clarion Housing Group, has made the final five having helped more than 1,400 social housing residents with money management issues.
Olena joined Clarion Housing Group (previously Circle Housing Roddons) in 2013. Working across Fenland, her role is to offer support and guidance to social housing residents who may be struggling to manage their money.
In the past year Olena has obtained 94 grants for basic households goods, distributed 52 foodbank vouchers, provided benefits advice to 135 people, guidance on 181 utility bills and supported 71 people with access to employment or digital support.
Olena said: “My passion is to help people in our community and the best reward is to know that you have made a difference to someone in their life.
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“It’s so overwhelming to be nominated for a national award on this scale and I really can’t believe it.
“The people that are also on the shortlist all have inspiring stories and I am proud just to be alongside them.”
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Stephanie Noyce, head of financial inclusion at Clarion Housing Group, said: “Olena is an inspirational member of our team who has made a positive impact on countless lives.
“She is incredibly compassionate, successful at her job and hugely appreciated by residents and colleagues alike.
“I am so pleased that she has been recognised and shortlisted for this award.”
The public vote is open until October 9 via: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/sep/25/guardian-public-service-awards-2017-vote-public-servant-of-the-year
