Living The Mission Award – April 2026 Winner

About the Award

The "Living the Mission" Award is presented each month to one employee who demonstrates above-and-beyond dedication to DakotAbilities and the care and compassion shown to the people we support, their families, and fellow staff. Our goal is to recognize employees who not only fulfill their work responsibilities but also go above and beyond throughout the workday, making the extra effort to uphold and exemplify our Core Values.

The award is grounded in our six Core Value Statements, which should be at the center of every employee's daily work. These values are our daily promise to those we serve and to one another:

  • Dignity and respect are demonstrated.
  • Relationships are valued.
  • Accomplishments are celebrated.
  • Authentic compassion is experienced.
  • Excellence is guided by best practices.
  • Advocacy impacts change.

April 2026 Nominees

The following employees were nominated for the Living the Mission Award in April 2026. Please join us in congratulating all of the nominees!

  • Shelly Eaglehorse (x3)
  • Eren Petersen
  • Emma Siedschlag
  • JQ Mills

Congratulations to Our Winner — Eren Petersen!

We are thrilled to announce that the Living the Mission Award for April 2026 goes to Eren Petersen! Eren's outstanding commitment to the Morrison team and to the people who call it home is a shining example of living our mission every single day.

Here is what the person who nominated Eren had to say:

"Eren has been such an amazing addition to the Morrison team. She brings patience, understanding, and commitment to the team and the people who live here. Eren has been helping out during the day most recently and is totally rocking it. She has ensured that the people we support are dressed and ready to go for the day, and has kept the home in tip-top shape for the next group of staff coming on shift. Eren is truly living the mission daily." — Nomination submission

Thanks to Eren and all of the nominees for Living Our Mission and going above and beyond to enrich the lives of those we support. Your dedication is what makes DakotAbilities a place where everyone belongs.