NORWALK, Conn. - Chris Arnette is running out of wall space in her office to hang all the awards she has won throughout the years.
The longtime hiring manager for the human resources department at Stew Leonards goes above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to volunteering her own time and leading her co-workers to do the same.
For that, she has been recognized by the Norwalk Mentor Program, the Voluntary Action Center and even Stew Leonard's.
We look at our employees' whole lives rather than seeing them as just numbers, she said. My job gives me the freedom to do whats right for the community.
Arnette is a self-proclaimed problem solver who cares for her neighbors and everyone who works at Stews Leonard's, and with that she says comes a responsibility to help others.
For example, Arnette tells the story of a woman who was battling a drinking addiction. She was single and didn't want to go to the Alcoholics Anonymous meetings by herself so Arnette went with her a couple of times.
I like to think I go above and beyond to help with whatever their needs are, she says.
In 2009, Stew Leonards showed its gratitude by granting her its first-ever Humanitarian of the Year award. As she now points to the picture of herself with the companys founders, she says of the nomination, I was bawling. I was so surprised.
Arnettes proudest accomplishment has to do with a project outside of work, though. Its the close relationship she has developed with a young girl she mentors as part of the Norwalk Mentor Program. Her mother works two jobs, and Arnette provides her the guidance to talk about college and her goals. The organization has since granted her its Mentor of the Year award.
Arnette says living in a community-minded city like Norwalk allows her to connect with organizations like this to lend a hand.
If you ever want to give back to the community, youll find a place," she says. "You dont have to worry about finding somewhere to go help someone.
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