Tune in on September 14 at 7pm EST
In two weeks, our annual Transformation Awards will officially drop at 7 p.m. EST. It will continue to be available for weeks ahead at www.centerforrespitecare.org.
After many years as an in-person event, the experience of the COVID pandemic has led the awards committee to determine that supporters appreciate the ability to view the festivities at their convenience. The event will be emceed by Channel 12’s health expert Liz Bonis.
2023 is the 20th anniversary of the Center’s founding.
We are spending this year recognizing individuals and organizations who have contributed to the success of the Center. This includes paying special tribute to Dr. Bob Donovan a leader in the Center’s founding 20 years ago. Dr. Bob has been instrumental in our past and continues to be an important part of the Center and the community.
Most importantly, this event would not be possible without the leadership of Diana Klinedinst and Martha Schueler. Diana and Martha both served as long-time board members for the Center. The women continue active involvement and have chaired the awards for many years. The event is possible due to financial sponsorship — that Diana and Martha secure.
Thank you to our sponsors for 2023:
HOPE SPONSORS
- In memory of Lester Hauser, a longtime volunteer, and past Transformation Award Honoree
HEALING SPONSORS
- Amy and George Joseph
- Anonymous
HOLISTIC SPONSORS
- Interact for Health
- Marianist Province of the United States
- Anonymous
HONOR SPONSORS
- AssureCare
- Franciscan Friars Province of St. John the Baptist OFM
- Home City Ice
HEALTH AND HOME SPONSORS
- C Forward
- Catherine and Dr. Joseph Pflum
- Diana Klinedinst
- Margaret Szempruch and Damian Billy
- Martha Schueler
- PNC Community Development Banking
- Strauss Troy Attorneys at Law
- Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
- Truepoint Wealth Counsel
- Union | Guardian Savings
- US Bank
- Western & Southern Financial Group
HELPING HANDS SPONSORS
- Elizabeth and Mike Behme
- Lori and David Uphaus
- Xavier University
This year’s honorees include:
Dr. Bob Donovan
After being in private practice for several years, Dr. Bob Donovan entered the Society of Mary. Following his profession of vows, he returned to Cincinnati and became the Medical Director of the Cincinnati Health Care for the Homeless Program in 1988. As part of his duties, he delivered primary care to people experiencing homelessness via the Mobile Medical Clinic, regularly visiting the city’s shelters. From this effort, the Center from Respite Care was born. He currently cares for people experiencing homelessness (and others) at the McMicken Health Collaborative in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Weekly, he oversees medical operations for the Center for Respite Care.
We are pleased that Dr. Bob is involved with the visibility of our annual campaign and appears in this year’s public service announcements that will be on Channel 12.
The other Transformation Awards 2023 Honorees are:
New Life Furniture Bank was founded in 2006 by Holly Young, Tim Nabors, and volunteers from Milford First United Methodist Church in partnership with InterFaith Hospitality Network (IHN) which provides emergency shelter to homeless families.
For the first few years, New Life Furniture Bank was a small ministry of Milford First United Methodist Church then in 2009 became a 501(C)3 Furniture Bank. New Life Furniture Bank started by serving 6 households to serving 600 households per year in just a few years. These days, New Life Furniture Bank serves over 1,300 households per year and partners with over 50 social service agencies.
Saint Francis Seraph Ministries (SFSM) is a sponsored ministry of the Province of St. John the Baptist of the Order of Friars Minor (the Franciscan Friars). The Franciscan Friars have served people experiencing homelessness and the working poor in our community for more than 175 years since Austrian Franciscan Friars were invited by Archbishop John Purcell in 1844 to come to serve the German speaking immigrants living in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. As the neighborhood changed and the needs grew, especially among more impoverished residents in Over-the-Rhine, the Franciscan Friars established multiple forms of outreach. Today, SFSM operates these vital services out of the St. Anthony Center at 1615 Republic Street together with other such organizations including the Center for Respite Care.
https://www.santamaria-cincy.org/
Santa Maria Community Services is a catalyst and advocate for Cincinnati’s Greater Price Hill families to attain their educational, financial, and health goals. They provide more than 2,500 individuals with educational tools and resources to build strong families, promote healthy residents, and foster neighborhood revitalization. Santa Maria’s vision is for Greater Price Hill to be a vibrant, thriving, and self-sustaining community. The Price Hill Family Centers provide a welcoming environment and coaching, support, and flexibility to assist families to achieve their identified goals toward stabilization and self-sufficiency.
“The Center is honored to pay tribute to people and organizations who contribute to the well-being of the community. The Transformation Awards are a small way to say thanks. We are excited about this year’s amazing honorees,” Laurie Nelson, CEO of the Center said.
In the months ahead — further information on the honorees and event sponsorship will be available at www.centerforrespitecare.org.
Thank you to all the people and organizations who make our event possible. Please join us in the weeks ahead and consider a donation to the Center. Thank you for being part of our 20 years of service.
