Transformation Awards 2024 pays tribute to those who transform our community!
For fourteen years, the Center for Respite Care has named key community leaders and organizations as Transformation Award honorees. After many years as an in-person event, the experience of the COVID pandemic led the awards committee to determine that supporters appreciate the ability to view the festivities at their convenience. The event was virtual again this year and premiered on the Center’s website last Thursday evening. Now, it can be viewed at any time. https://www.centerforrespitecare.org/transformation-awards/
The event was emceed by Channel 12’s health expert Liz Bonis. The Center is pleased to also have had event participation from Channel 12’s Sheila Gray and Bob Herzog.
“We selected people and organizations who exemplify transformation. This is our way of paying tribute to those who model leadership. We are honored that three Channel 12 faces appeared on our broadcast — including our longtime friend Liz Bonis. We are additionally heartened to honor the late John Lomax,” Laurel Nelson, CEO of the Center for Respite Care said.
This year’s honorees include:
National Institute for Medical Respite Care-The Respite Care Providers’ Network
The Respite Care Providers’ Network (RCPN) is the preeminent national voice for those who are simply too ill to recover in the streets. They support the development of new and existing medical respite care programs through education, client advocacy, networking, and research. They have also been a key partner to the Center.
The National Institute for Medical Respite Care (an arm of the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council) sponsors the RCPN.
Grounded in human rights and social justice, the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council’s mission is to build an equitable, high-quality healthcare system through training, research, and advocacy in the movement to end homelessness. This year’s honoree — the Respite Care Providers’ Network — is part of the overall council.
Cincinnati’s late John Lomax and WKRC TV 12
Lomax spent most of his career as a Channel 12 anchor. Shortly after he established himself at the station, his bosses used Lomax frequently to fill in on the anchor desk, including a six-month stint as a weekend sports anchor. For November sweeps in 1990, his temporary assignment to co-anchor Good Morning Cincinnati with Jill Kelly became permanent when the early newscast was only one hour.
Lomax called himself “one of the last ‘80s kids” hired under anchor-managing editor Nick Clooney.
When those coworkers moved on, Lomax became the newsroom mentor for matters on the air – and off the air – earning him “The Godfather” nickname.
Cincinnati mourns the recent passing of John, and the Center is honored to award him posthumously. At the same time, the Center pays tribute to Channel 12 who has been a long-time partner and leader in the community.
Over the Rhine Community Housing
Over the Rhine Community Housing (OTRCH) is a non-profit community development organization that provides a wide spectrum of affordable and supportive housing options with life-changing programs that help low-income residents in Over-the-Rhine succeed. For over four decades, OTRCH has never wavered from its commitment to:
- Build a sustainable, diverse neighborhood that values and benefits low-income residents.
- Create an inclusive community in this evolving historic district.
- Advocate on behalf of its residents.
To meet this mission, OTRCH has restored 86 properties (420 housing units) and assembled a broad mix of 20+ service providers/agency partners and volunteers to ensure that residents receive affordable housing along with access to health care, job services, education, faith-based services and community associations that strengthen their ability to succeed.
Volunteers of the Year
Ms. Mary Sheldon
Mary Sheldon is a long-time Center volunteer supporting our residents in many capacities. She is integral in coordinating volunteer-provided meals with several volunteer groups and conducting regular client activities like Bingo and Movie Night! Mary is a leading community volunteer, and this includes her relationship with Hyde Park Community UMC, serving as a liaison on the Center’s behalf with the church.
The Center’s relationship with the congregation goes back to the Center’s founding. The church’s mission is to share the love of Jesus to transform lives, Cincinnati, and the world.
Sr. Therese DelGenio, SNDdeN
Sister Therese DelGenio is a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur. Sister’s activities on behalf of our clients include being a pastoral presence and listening ear, assisting clients with paperwork and personal filing, and initiating creative projects reflective of the calendar and holiday seasons. The list goes on!
Since the early nineteenth century, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur have been on the move. They live and work among people of different cultures on five continents, in places as varied as Liverpool and Lima, Belmont and Boston, Hiroshima and Harare. What an experience of the many facets of God’s goodness and boundless creativity! Sr. Therese brings that same energy to the Center weekly!
Our thanks to the 21 organizations and individuals who sponsored the Transformation Awards. All of them are listed at the beginning of the airing. Over $57,000 has been raised in sponsorships and general contributions. Donations can be accepted through the mail, the website and by contacting the Center regarding credit card information. Thank you for your support on behalf of the Center’s clients!