Center for Respite Care announces 2024 honorees:
Transformation Awards pays tribute to those who transform our community
“Each year we select people and organizations who exemplify transformation. This is our way of paying tribute to those who model leadership. We are pleased to announce a stellar roster for 2024,” Laurel Nelson, CEO of the Center for Respite Care said.
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. Transformation Awards 2024 will premiere via the Center’s website on September 26, 2024, at 7pm. After the debut, it can be viewed at any time. The event will be emceed by Channel 12’s health expert Liz Bonis.
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) is the entity sponsoring 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 90 properties (520 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. They hope that each person can find a meaningful way to serve that connects passions and gifts to the needs of the community and the world. Mary truly embodies this effort with her passion and gifts!
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 on a weekly basis!
Congratulations to each honoree. In the months ahead, the Center will tell the stories of these leaders and their commitment to Greater Cincinnati.
Currently, the Center is aligning event sponsors. Contact information regarding potential sponsors can come to development@centerforrespitecare.org.
