Wayne Applebee selected for National Association of Social Workers award

The Sarasota Manatee unit of the National Association of Social Workers tapped Sarasota County's Director of Homeless Services, Wayne Applebee, for the 2015 public citizen of the year award. 

The regional unit has about 250 members, said Kristina Bilicki Paape, unit chair. The citizen of the year is selected by the nomination and leadership committee.

"The citizen of the year is an individual who exemplifies a socially-minded individual," Paape said, adding that the recipient didn't have to be a social worker to receive the award. 

Kathryn E. Shea, LCWS and President and CEO of the Florida Center for Child and Family Development was awarded Social Worker of the Year. Mary Beth Schrowang, a master case manager with the Jewish Families and Children Services of the Suncoast received the Social Work Student of the Year. The three recipients of the Sarasota Manatee unit awards gathered at a small private party at Libby's Cafe and Bar Restaurant Monday night to officially receive the awards.

Applebee has worked as director of homeless services since October 2013. According to a press release from the county, he has been a champion pushing forward local policy and program initiatives to address homelessness, and serves as the county's spokesperson for implementing the 12 recommendations made to the county by homelessness expert Dr. Robert Marbut.