Posted on April 20, 2021

Mary Free Bed’s Carol Lyman honored with Essential Service Award

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Mary Free Bed employee Carol Lyman’s efforts to ensure the health and safety of patients, visitors and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic have been recognized with a 2020 Essential Service Award by West Michigan Works!

Lyman, a senior administrative assistant, is among eight frontline workers honored by the organization for going above and beyond their daily responsibilities while displaying integrity, compassion and commitment. She was recognized in the “administrative/office worker” category.

“The Essential Service Awards have taken on a heightened significance throughout the past year,” said Mark Bergsma, chair of the West Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board. “The pandemic has emphasized the critical role of the many frontline and behind-the-scenes workers. Their hard work allows our communities to function, and they deserve to be recognized.”

Three of Lyman’s Mary Free Bed teammates also were recognized for their efforts, earning nominations for the award: Richelle Engle, a patient service coordinator for Outpatient Access, Violet Nyamwaya, a patient service coordinator for Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics, and Christy Olgine, an outpatient physical therapist.

To be eligible for an Essential Service Award, nominees must have at least two years of employment with their company, hold a non-managerial position and exhibit pride in their job, a positive attitude, strong work ethic and effective time management. Winners are chosen by a committee of the West Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board.

Honorees were recognized during The Economic Club of Grand Rapids’ virtual April meeting and presented with a $100 gift card.

Lyman is appreciative of the recognition.

“This past year has made us all look at life a little different,” she said. “Our team did what we needed to do to get the job done and keep our patients, visitors and staff safe.”