The First Coast Council is proud to recognize Lisa Cohen as their 2019 Ombudsman of the Year.

Cohen became a certified ombudsman in March of 2016 and has been an asset since her arrival, the council said. She is always willing to do what is needed to ensure that the residents are happy and safe in each facility that she visits. Cohen

is also very well respected amongst her peers.

“In my research of objective measures for the District Ombudsman of the Year, Lisa truly stood out,” said First Coast District Manager Tracie Rayfield. “She has consistently made herself available for casework and assessments. As district manager, I know that I can count on her to help when needed. Lisa takes the time to make sure that her work is completed based on the resident’s wishes and that all possibilities are researched before closure of a case.”

From Oct, 12, 2017 to Feb. 21, 2020, Lisa completed 11 case investigations totaling more than 50 hours of service, while also conducting a total of 118 assessments. She has exceeded her training requirements in 2019 by completing 27 hours of training.

Lisa has helped the Ombudsman Program grow by bringing three new volunteers to the Council, who have since joined the program as ombudsmen. Lisa also accepted a Proclamation that was given to the First Coast Council from the City of Orange Park for Resident Rights Month.

Lisa always keeps the resident’s wishes in mind and is driven by her passion for the Ombudsman Program.

“I have worked with Lisa for almost three years now and have seen her dedication and the hard work that she strives for,” Rayfield said. “She has a warm, friendly attitude towards everyone she meets, especially the residents. Lisa will always make sure that any job that she is assigned is completed to the best of her ability.

“I truly believe that Lisa Cohen is very worthy of being named 2019 Ombudsman of the Year. She is a valuable asset within our council and an exceptional Ombudsman. I am truly honored to serve her and the rest of the First Coast Council.”