April 27, 2004 > City Official Named UC Berkeley School of Social Welfare Alumnus of Year

by Dan Schoenholz

City of Fremont Human Services Director Suzanne Shenfil will be recognized by the UC Berkeley School of Social Welfare as alumnus of the year, it was announced this week. Shenfil will be honored at a dinner at the UC Berkeley Faculty Club on May 13th.

Shenfil, who has directed City social service efforts since 1978, is being honored for outstanding professional achievement in the field of social welfare and for her cumulative performance in social work service to the Fremont community.

"Suzanne, more than any other individual, has been responsible for establishing a solid infrastructure of social services for the community," noted Fremont City Manager Jan Perkins, who nominated Shenfil. Accomplishments she cited include:

Development of the Fremont Family Resource Center, an innovative and award-winning center for services for families, including counseling, employment assistance, child care placement and much more.

Provision of an array of services to seniors, from the many programs at the Fremont Senior Center to a variety of assistance for homebound seniors and their families

Embracing Fremont's diversity and ensuring that services have changed to keep pace with changes in the makeup of the community

"I am honored to be selected as Alumnus of the Year," said Shenfil. "I will be the one accepting the award, but it's really a reflection of a City Council and City Manager that have seen social services as a wise investment, of a talented and dedicated staff of human service professionals working for the City, and of a community that cares about all of its members, regardless of race or age or income level."

Shenfil noted that she hopes the award will shine a spotlight on the important programs her department provides, especially since funding for many of them is threatened by State and County budget shortfalls.

Shenfil will be one of two alumni honorees. Also being recognized is Darrick Lam, Executive Director of the San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services.

The public is invited to attend the event. For further information please call 510-643-6670.