Professional Mentor (Friend)
Friends of the Children, Klamath Basin
Klamath, Oregon

José Hernandez is the longest-serving mentor at Friends of the Children - Klamath Basin. According to Anne, his nominator, “He is ALL in… When work needs doing, even tedious paperwork or messy dishwashing at our “clubhouse,” José is the first to do it, thoroughly and without fanfare. Even when no one is watching, José does the good and right thing, always modeling the very best manners and morals.” No matter the challenges he’s faced, Jose continues to model care, resilience and compassion for his mentees and colleagues. Our young people are better because Jose is in their lives!

Executive Director
Pathfinder Clubhouse
Corvallis, Oregon

Pathfinder Clubhouse provides assistance to individuals presenting problems associated with severe and persistent mental illness. Elizabeth relentlessly worked with three startup groups to bring non-clinical mental health services to underserved communities and began a new nonprofit in the middle of COVID to fill a needed gap in mental health services for Benton, Linn and Lincoln counties. According to her nominator Chistopher, “Elizabeth has spent countless hours sitting in ERs and visiting those they serve, even going after work hours and staying until late at night to make sure they were supported.” She is there for her community every step of the way!

FAN Advocate
Family Access Network (FAN)
Bend, Oregon

Perla is a Family Access Network advocate. Family Access Network assists families through a dedicated FAN advocate. Children and/or parents are connected to services such as food, shelter, heating, health care, clothing and more. Last year, Perla served as the advocate for a local high school. In her role, she ensured that those students who needed clothing and school supplies received them. Perla’s nominator Emily said, “She connected families who were impacted by everything from illness and quarantines to eviction prevention, utility and food assistance, and healthcare — aided in part by her Spanish language skills.” Perla’s selfless service and dedication ensures that young people and their families don’t fall through the cracks.

Founding Board Member
The Father’s Group
Bend, Oregon

Marcus is a founding member of the Father’s Group, which aims to build community by overcoming racial discrimination, provide a safe space for people to talk and share experiences, help students set and complete educational goals, and help residents achieve financial independence. Marcus is determined to support his community and advance equity no matter the obstacles. According to his nominator Todd, “he serves as a positive example to so many in this region and state, [doing] his job with grace, composure and patience.” Marcus inspires those around him to serve with heart, determination, and grit.

Volunteer
Girl Scouts Beyond Bars,
Girl Scouts of Western Washington
Seattle, Washington

The Girl Scouts Beyond Bars program gives youth the opportunity to build and maintain relationships with incarcerated parents. In western Washington, Alison Woods is central to that effort. “Alison has shown remarkable grit during her tenure as a volunteer with Girl Scouts Beyond Bars,” wrote her nominator, Beth. Her curriculum development helps incarcerated parents to build leadership skills by giving them opportunities to coordinate activities and teach them to their children. “She understands the depth and heart of these families’ experiences,” and her grit in service will have a lasting impact on families!

Executive Director (Emeritus)
Rogue Valley Farm to School
Ashland, Oregon

Sheila was the Executive Director of Rogue Valley Farm to School (RVF2S) through the challenging times of COVID and regional wildfires. With staffing and funding shortages, plus the aftermath of terrible fire destruction, Sheila and her staff worked hard to pivot and redirect every single organization program. Sheila activated her network to identify how to keep local food flowing to families in need. In the words of Sheila’s nominator Aaron: “Each of these tasks is worth recognition on its own, but together, demonstrate an individual who truly embodies Marie’s spirit of grit.” Sheila’s service and tenure as Executive Director will continue to be an example of grit and dedication for many years to come.

Community Services Manager
Cascades AIDS Project
Portland, Oregon

Brent Blackwell manages Esther’s Pantry at Cascade AIDS Project. Esther’s Pantry is the first LGBTQ+ affirming food pantry in the state. In his role, Brent advocated for making Esther’s Pantry open to all members of the public regardless of HIV status. Brent’s nominator Adie mentioned that “As a result of Brent’s hard work, Esther’s Pantry served about 3 times the number of people that it had served in the past.” He also made Esther’s Pantry more inclusive and accessible, offering culturally specific food options and more spoken languages. Thanks to Brent, Esther’s Pantry is an even greater asset to the community!