In the News
Santema Recipient of the Prestigious Epworth Village
“Green Book Award”
Pictured is Epworth Village, Inc. Executive Director, Tom McBride, presenting the “Green Book” award to Jeff Santema, Legal Counsel for the Nebraska Legislature Health and Human Services Committee, at the Epworth Village Holiday Dinner.
This year, Epworth Village, Inc., a residential and day treatment facility in York and Grand Island, for boys dealing with severe, emotional and behavioral disorders, introduced a prestigious award that uniquely reflects the mission of the family-centered program.
The “Green Book Award” is meant to honor an individual who has made a significant contribution to children and families in his or her own way. The first recipient of this prestigious award is Jeff Santema, Legal Counsel for the Nebraska Legislature Health and Human Services Committee.
The “Green Book” award was inspired by the green signature books that each boy receives upon completion of his journey at Epworth Village. The books are significant to Epworth boys because they carry in them messages of positive encouragement and inspiration from peers and staff who have been with them throughout their treatment.
Jeff Santema was born and raised in Rock Valley, a farming community in northwest Iowa. He attended Dordt College in Sioux Center where he achieved a B.A. in History. He then completed Law School at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1995. In 1994, Santema was hired by Senator Jim Jensen as his legislative aide. When Jensen was elected chair of the Health and Human Services Committee in 1999, Santema was asked to serve as legal counsel to the committee. After Jensen was term-limited in 2006, Senator Joel Johnson was elected chair of the committee and asked Santema to continue as committee counsel. Santema’s faith and family play the key role in his life. He and his wife Sharon have two adopted sons.
“Mr. Santema has helped draft, create and enact legislation that has been tremendously important to the wellbeing of the citizens of Nebraska. He does this without fanfare and without desire for recognition. His work comes from his heart,” said McBride.
“Jeff is the most humble man I have ever known,” said Senator Jim Jensen. “He has great compassion for those in need and a desire to improve their lives in any way possible.”