LIFEWAVES: Senior center manager receives Community Achievement Award

Enumclaw Senior Activity Center Manager Jobyna Nickum was recently presented with a Community Achievement Award by Valley Cities Counseling and Consultation.

Enumclaw Senior Activity Center Manager Jobyna Nickum was recently presented with a Community Achievement Award by Valley Cities Counseling and Consultation.

Enumclaw Mayor Liz Reynolds took a few moments during the most recently gathering of the City Council to highlight the award and make a few remarks about the longtime city employee.

Rey-nolds cited Nickum’s “active, heartfelt interest” in senior citizens and others in need and noted the award had been presented due to Nickum’s “unconditional dedication to human services.” The award, Reynolds added, was given by Nickum’s peers.

“You go the extra mile to utilize every resource you can to meet their unmet needs,” the mayor said of Nickum’s dedication to those she serves. “You will find shoes for a person who is going without.”

As an example of her involvement in the community, Reynolds told how Nickum was active in the creation of Simply Soup, and event that has gained a foothold in the community. Once each month, a dinner is provided free to anyone who arrives, bowl and spoon in hand, at the senior center. It’s a way of bringing the community together in a positive, yet casual, way.

Nickum took the opportunity to express appreciation for the award, but was quick to downplay her own accomplishments.

“I’m just blessed to have a job (where) I love to come to work every day,” she said. “Thank you for allowing me to do what I love to do.”