May. 20, 2026
member with Impact Awards for outstanding service for their work caring for clients and supporting the organization. The nonprofit provides in-home care for older adults, Veterans, and people with disabilities across East Tennessee.
SCHAS caregiver Shauna Henry earned the Mary Emma Scott Award for Caregiver of the Year. Henry has worked at SCHAS for 13 years and was lauded by her supervisor for her attention to detail, a willingness to work extra hours and the heart to help clients who need extra attention and care. The annual award recognizes a caregiver who exemplifies the very best of SCHAS and is named after Mary Emma Scott, who provided years of leadership and unwavering support for the organization.
Amy Coldwell, the SCHAS director in Jefferson and Cocke counties, earned the George & Mary Catherine Willard Better than Bacon Award, which was established in 2018 to recognize the professionals who keep operations at SCHAS running smoothly.
“The Impact Awards reflect the values that define SCHAS and service with compassion and excellence,” SCHAS CEO Amy Blackburn said. “Both Shauna and Amy represent the dedication and commitment it takes to provide the very best care and services to our clients. I congratulate both of them for earning these awards and the respect of their peers.”
Coldwell’s award nomination indicates she “leads with a clear commitment to the mission of SCHAS, ensuring that those we serve are able to maintain dignity, independence and quality of life in their homes. Whether it is supporting caregivers, navigating challenges in the field or collaborating with peers, Amy approaches every situation with a solution-oriented mindset and a genuine desire to make things better for both clients and staff.”
Named for community leaders George and Mary Catherine Willard, the award also got the nickname of “Better than Bacon” bestowed by office staff. During her time at SCHAS, Mary Catherine Willard went from a governing board member to intake coordinator for the organization.
SCHAS provides services throughout East Tennessee as a state-licensed Personal Support Services Agency (PSSA) with personal care, assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), companionship, cooking, cleaning and respite care for family caregivers.
Information about joining the SCHAS team can be accessed at schas.org/careers.
About Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service, Inc. (SCHAS)
Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service, Inc. (SCHAS) provides older adults, Veterans, and adults with disabilities with solutions for long-term care and aging in place through non-medical in-home caregiving and supportive services. These services include assistance with personal care, from dressing and grooming to medication reminders; household assistance, including light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry and grocery shopping; and companionship. We also offer respite care for primary caregivers and family members. We measure success by the comfort and safety our clients feel at home, the meaningful companionship we provide and the quality of care that helps them age in place with dignity. Learn more about SCHAS at schas.org.
