DSN names Pee Dee woman ‘Employee of Year’

By Dwight Dana
Morning News reporter
Published: July 13, 2008

FLORENCE — Sharon Jackson is on a roll as the medical services vehicle transporter for the S.C. Department of Disabilities and Special Needs’ Pee Dee Center.

She has been named state Department of Disabilities and Special Needs Employee of the Year for 2007. She was selected from 2,500 employees at its regional centers in Columbia, Clinton, Florence, Hartsville and Summerville.

The department is the state agency that provides services to South Carolinians with the severe, lifelong disabilities of mental retardation and related disabilities, autism, spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury.

“I’ve always had a special place in my heart for special needs people,” said Jackson, wife of Florence School District 1 Superintendent Larry Jackson. “I started in the Pee Dee Center and know everybody by name here because I’ve been here for 20 years.”

Jackson began as a staff member in Mulberry Park 301, where she quickly formed bonds with the young men in the unit. She’s seen them grow and progress through the years.

“I was also a Friendly Home Volunteer for several individuals during my service in 301,” she said. “I still keep a close watch on the individuals in that unit, helping them out whenever possible.”

Although she was on vacation, Jackson readily agreed to come to the Pee Dee Center for an interview last week. She said she loves everything about her job.

“It’s like a home here where everybody knows your name,” she said.

And it’s also like she told S.C. Department of Disabilities and Special Needs State Commissioner Edythe Dove in Columbia during the awards ceremonies: “It’s like that commercial that says you want to go where everybody knows your name and is also glad you came. That’s kind of the way we feel here.”

Her expertise hasn’t gone unnoticed on the state level.

“Ms. Jackson’s performance at Pee Dee Center has been considered exceptional for 20 years,” S.C. Department of Disabilities and Special Needs State Director Dr. Stan Butkus said in a news release. “Her loving respect and caring commitment to residents continue to make a positive difference in their lives.”

“We deeply appreciate Ms. Jackson’s many contributions and are pleased to honor her as Employee of the Year,” S.C. Department of Disabilities and Special Needs Commission Vice Chairman Dr. John Vaughan said when he presented the award. “She represents the very best qualities of our agency.”

Leon Owens is the Pee Dee Regional Center administrator.

“Sharon is always sensitive to our residents’ needs,” he said, “and she advocates tirelessly for their health and well-being.”

Phyllis Clark has worked at Pee Dee Center for 28 years. She is Owens’ administrative assistant.

“I don’t know what we would do without Sharon,” Clark said. “She’s a staple around here because she does just a little bit of everything. You name it, she does it.”

Jackson is the only vehicle transporter for medical services at the center. Her days are usually stretched in several directions at any one time.

“She not only provides transportation for individuals and staff attending on and off campus medical appointments,” Clark said, “but she provides these services for Pee Dee Center’s Dental Clinic as well. She is always willing to help the staff in the units whenever possible, or anyone else on campus.”

Sharon and Larry Jackson have been married for 25 years. They have a daughter, Marquita, who is a student at Morris College in Sumter.