Peters named winner of Williams Award at Transitions of Western Illinois

QUINCY — Jessica Peters, director of mental health and children’s services at Transitions of Western Illinois, was named the winner of the Williams Award during a staff meeting on Nov. 9.  Usually given at the agency’s annual dinner, this award was given during a staff meeting due to the COVID pandemic.  

Peters has been employed in a variety of positions with Transitions for 24 years.  

“Jessica’s colleagues, who nominated her for this award, said Jessica is extremely organized, efficient in all tasks and very helpful to other staff,” Executive Director Mark Schmitz said. “She is very knowledgeable about all aspects of the agency, having played a variety of roles in the agency.  She is not afraid to ‘get her hands dirty’ and leads by example.  She is willing to answer calls and questions any time of the day and on weekends. Though she is extremely busy, she is a great listener and always makes time for staff.  She is willing to take on extra projects. During the COVID pandemic, she has been actively involved in the agency’s response.” 

Transitions presents the annual award to an employee who goes above and beyond in the performance of his or her job responsibilities, who quietly does his or her job and whose efforts often go unnoticed. The award is named for Dr. Keith Williams, a psychiatrist who served the agency for nearly 30 years.  The recipient has been nominated by their peers. The people who work with the recipient every day notice the dedication they have to the agency’s consumers and to the agency’s mission.

Transitions is a community-based provider of mental health and rehabilitation services.  Founded in 1955, the agency delivers services in 11 locations throughout the community.  The agency’s administrative and behavioral health services are at 4409 Maine.