A Berrien County business owner was named the Social Worker of the Year during the National Association of Social Workers Michigan Chapter’s annual state conference last month in Kalamazoo.

Julie Weckel, who received the award, is the owner of Geriatric Connections, a home-based counseling and consultation agency that serves the counties of Berrien, Cass and Van Buren.

Weckel, whose husband Pat Weckel works as principal at Brandywine High School, said she is humbled by the honor.

“It is amazing because I know there are so many other social workers out there doing great things,” she said. “It makes me want to work harder and do more and recognize the positive impact that social work has on the lives of people.”

The Social Worker of the Year award is presented to an individual who has made a demonstrable difference in such areas as: advocacy for clients, social policy, social work practice, program development, administration, and research.

Weckel thanked her family and other professionals that helped her along the way.

Geriatric Connections provides professional counseling, care coordination and consultation, to the elderly and family caregivers in South West Michigan.

Education programs are available for community members and professionals on topics related to geriatric mental health, planning for long term care needs and family care giving.

To learn more about the business, visit the website geriatricconnections.com or call (269) 313-4002.