Town of Apple Valley issued the following announcement on Nov. 12.
Housing and Community Development Specialist, Silvia Urenda has been selected as the Town of Apple Valley’s Employee of the Quarter for the 4th quarter of 2020.
“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Silvia has been instrumental in creating ways to assist the community in these times of need,” said Assistant Town Manager Lori Lamson. “She has administered the CARES Act funding for food banks and rental assistance programs, and she continues to administer federal CDBG and HOME funds allocated to Apple Valley for public services. Recently, she secured the assistance of local restaurants to provide Thanksgiving meals to senior and disabled residents in need.”
Hired in 2014 as an intern, Urenda began her role in the Housing Department while also pursuing her graduate degree. Today, as the Housing and Community Development Specialist II, Silvia works alongside multiple departments including Housing, Planning and Public Works and oversees many of the Town’s community assistance programs.
“This year, we created a Rental Assistance Program that helps pay rent and utility expenses for qualifying residents,” said Urenda. “Additionally, the Town continues to offer the Residential Rehabilitation Loan Program that provides loan assistance for eligible home improvements like health and safety repairs, code violations, and accessibility improvements. We are also working on launching a small business assistance program for businesses affected by the pandemic.”
Urenda holds a degree in Business Management from California State University San Bernardino and a Masters in Financial Economics from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She lives in Apple Valley with her husband Freddy and their mini dachshund Ginger. They enjoy traveling together with their families and visiting Puerto Rico as often as they can.
“I would like to share this recognition with my colleagues,” said Silvia. “Their knowledge and teamwork has been so valuable to me throughout my journey. It has always been our goal to truly provide this community with ‘A Better Way of Life’ for our residents.”
Silvia was recognized as the Employee of the Quarter at the November 10 Town Council Meeting.
Nominations for Employee of the Quarter are submitted by peers or management and honorees are selected by the Town Manager.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Town of Apple Valley
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