Personal care aide Mary Wennberg is the recipient of the 2025 Grace P. Davis Award, recognized for her outstanding dedication to the care of older adults through MEOC’s In-Home and Family Support Services department.
The award was announced April 15 during an In-Home and Family Support Services staff development meeting at MEOC’s main office in Big Stone Gap.
Presented annually by MEOC, the Grace P. Davis Award honors a care provider within In-Home and Family Support Services who demonstrates exceptional commitment, compassion and professionalism in serving MEOC clients. Eligible employees include those serving through MEOC’s homemaker and personal care programs.
Rebecca Gilly, director of In-Home and Family Support Services, said Wennberg consistently goes above and beyond for the individuals she serves.
“Mary exemplifies everything the Grace P. Davis Award represents,” said Gilly. “She is very vested in her clients and is truly an asset to our department.”
Clients and supervisors alike praised Wennberg for her compassion, flexibility and dedication. One client shared that her care has allowed him to remain in his home, while another described the way she goes above and beyond not only for clients, but for others in the community as well.
Gilly said Wennberg often spends holidays with clients so they will not be alone, cooks meals from scratch and takes time to read to visually impaired clients. Supervisors also noted the pride she takes in helping clients feel cared for and comfortable, from maintaining clean homes to helping clients look and feel their best.
Wennberg joined MEOC in 2022 but has worked in health care since 1998 and has served as a CNA since 2006. Her experience spans several areas of care and support services.
The late Grace P. Davis was a retired Lee County educator who played a key role in the formation of MEOC and helped lead the agency’s growth for 25 years. A strong advocate for in-home services for older adults, Davis served on the local planning group that received the initial grant to establish MEOC in 1974 and remained active on the agency’s board of directors until 1999.
The annual award created in her honor recognizes In-Home and Family Support Services employees who reflect the compassion, dedication and commitment that Davis championed throughout her life.