Since her employment as a Community Health Advocate in December 2002, Sosefina has made numerous valuable contributions to the Children’s Health Initiative (CHI) by taking the lead on various community projects. In her first two years, Sosefina coordinated CHI’s countywide school outreach program, which led to hundreds of enrollments of uninsured children. Specifically, Sosefina initiated discussions with district and school administrators at the San Mateo-Foster City School District which resulted in the out-stationing of CHI staff at three local elementary schools, a district-wide school survey of uninsured children and the district’s participation in many CHI activities. She also established the county’s Central Region Health Coverage Outreach Committee. Most importantly, with Sosefina leadership, passion and dedication, Healthy Kids enrollment in the central county increased by 64% since January of 1994.
Sosefina resourcefulness and organization are two of her outstanding attributes. She uses all means available to her to promote CHI programs. She has built great relationships with colleagues, clients and community workers. In early 2006, Sosefina was promoted to the CHI Community Program Specialist II position and is responsible for supervising the CHI team and leading the outreach and enrollment activities in the county. In addition to facilitating the CHI Community-Based Coalition, she has also assisted the County Manager’s Office with the implementation of the Medically Indigent Healthcare Pilot Program.
In her nearly five years as a San Mateo County employee, Sosefina has not only managed to establish new community programs but most importantly, she has made a difference in the lives of the children and families who are enrolled in the health coverage programs and have accessed medical and dental services. Being the only Tongan-speaking Certified Application Assister in the County, she is still frequently assisting many Tongan families with the application process in addition to her other job responsibilities. As she often says to the CHI team and community partners, “It’s not only a job; it’s a labor of love.” Indeed, Sosefina is all about dedication, passion and heart. She demonstrates exemplary leadership and dedication in every project that she takes on, serving as a great example of what public service and community partnership can be.
Our County is fortunate to have Sosefina Pita as one of its outstanding employees.
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