Alabama DHR Deputy Commissioner Karen Smith presents the 2024 Spirit of APS Award to Kaylan Jacobs.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) has announced that Kaylan Jacobs, a social worker with Chilton County DHR, is the recipient of the 2024 Alabama Spirit of Adult Protective Services (APS) Award.

Ms. Jacobs is a 2011 graduate of the University of Alabama in Birmingham, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in social work. She earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of Alabama in 2019.

The award is presented annually to a front-line worker who, through his or her initiative and innovative ideas, makes substantial contributions to the growth and development of the APS program. As the Spirit of APS Award recipient for Alabama, Ms. Jacobs is also nominated for the Spirit of the National Adult Protective Services Association Award, which will be presented in September.

“Kaylan’s commitment to safeguarding the dignities of vulnerable seniors is a reflection of love in action,” said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. “The Spirit of APS award celebrates not only her achievements but the lives she has touched in the state of Alabama.”

Ms. Jacobs joined the Shelby County DHR Child Welfare Division as a Case Aid in 2011 and soon realized she wanted to take her career of helping others even further. She worked in the healthcare field at nursing homes and a hospice facility for several years including during the 2020 pandemic.

It was during the pandemic that she decided to “get back to her roots” by joining the Adult Protective Services division of the Chilton County Department of Human Resources. She said that witnessing the isolation of residents in nursing homes and hospice care at that time made her realize what she needed to do.

Ms. Jacobs has developed excellent relationships with community partners such as local attorneys, the court system, the Chilton County sheriff’s office, hospitals, nursing homes and various other agencies to meet the needs of clients. Additionally, she successfully navigates the legal system to assist elderly and disabled clients.

It was through her efforts that she was able to license the first-ever adult foster home in Chilton County. She also started a program to provide funds for Christmas presents, Valentine’s Day cards/gifts and Mother’s Day and Father’s Day cards/gifts for clients. Local individuals, businesses and clubs support the program every year.

“Her work is a beautiful reminder that true strength lies not in the muscles we flex, but in the hearts we heal,” said Chilton County DHR Director Marilyn Colson. “Ms. Jacobs demonstrates the Spirit of APS each day and it was my pleasure to nominate her for the 2024 Spirit of APS Award.”