SHARP Direct Care Worker Awards

The Orange County Department on Aging has partnered with the community group, Senior Health Advocacy and Resource Partners of Orange County (SHARP), to recognize Direct Care Workers serving clients in Orange County, NC. Direct care workers impact their client’s lives on a daily basis and make a difference in our community. Each year six awards will be presented one in each of five different categories and one person will be chosen as "Direct Care Worker of the Year."

Visit the links to the left to see previous award winners.

Scroll down to view the 2025 SHARP Awards Nomination Form.

Categories & Special Criteria

Awards will be given in five categories with special attention to the criteria as noted:

  • Client Impact - Frequently recognized or praised for their efforts that make an impact on the quality of their clients lives.
  • Going the Extra Mile - Passionate about providing extraordinary care to their clients in ways that exceed expectations.
  • Leadership - Serves as a role model and demonstrates teamwork and willingness to help other direct care workers and staff.
  • Longevity - Has performed work as a caregiver each year for the last 10 or more years and plans to continue working in the field.
  • Rising Star - Has been a caregiver for less than three years and demonstrates enormous promise in the profession.

If selected as the Award Recipient the individual agrees to be represented in photographs and videos, as well as included in any and all public relations ads and media campaigns.

Eligibility

To be eligible, direct care workers must have served clients in Orange County within the past year. Each person may be nominated in two categories.

Each nominee must:

  • Provide direct care to clients as a primary function of their job.
  • Have at least six consecutive months of service in the past year.
  • Maintain and project a professional demeanor and exhibit dependability.
  • Actively demonstrate pride in being a direct care worker and selflessly serve others in the course of their duties.

Selection Process

The SHARP Award winners will be selected by representatives from Project EngAGE. Project EngAGE is a senior leadership program sponsored by Orange County Department on Aging.

The SHARP Committee is comprised of professionals from senior care, healthcare and caregiving support organizations from the Greater Orange County community.

Nomination Form


The deadline to submit nominations is October 10, 2025. 

To submit the Direct Care Worker Nomination Form online, please click here. 

To download the Direct Care Worker Nomination Form, please click here.

Please email completed nomination forms to kmcmillan@orangecountync.gov or return in-person at 2551 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516.

Awards Ceremony

A recognition ceremony will be held for award winners on Thursday, November 13 at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill.

For more information about the Direct Care Worker Awards, email Kendall McMillan or call (919) 245-4278.

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