Riverhead care worker receives state Code of Conduct Award from NYS Justice Center

Shaunice Faines, assistant director of residential services at East End Disability Associates in Riverhead, has been named a 2025 recipient of the New York State Justice Center’s Code of Conduct Award, a statewide honor recognizing ethical, person-centered care for people with special needs.

In announcing the award, the Justice Center said Faines has spent more than a decade supporting people served by EEDA and has built her career around service, starting as a direct support professional and advancing into leadership roles. Justice Center Acting Executive Director Maria Lisi-Murray said strong managers are essential in a sector where maintaining consistent care models is increasingly challenging, and thanked Faines for her work “helping us maintain an ethical standard of care in New York State.”

According to the Justice Center, Faines was nominated as a hands-on leader who is frequently out in programs connecting with staff and the people receiving services. The nomination described her as a lifelong learner who sets a standard worth emulating and doesn’t stop until a task is done right.

EEDA Executive Director Joy O’Shaughnessy said Faines has grown personally and professionally during her years with the organization and described her as present and mindful, blending professionalism and compassion.

The Justice Center said it received more than 200 nominations for this year’s awards and selected six winners from a dozen finalists. Winners are chosen by the agency’s advisory council, which includes service providers, people who receive services, family members and advocates.

In a Dec. 12 Facebook post, EEDA congratulated Faines and said the award recognizes people who uphold high standards of dignity, safety and self-direction for the people they support.