Recipients of Jenco Foundation prizes

Dr. David Deci, West Virginia (Jenco Foundation Award, 2007). Dr. David Deci makes a difference in his Morgantown, West Virginia community by seeking out the homeless and providing them with basic clothing items, delivering food, administering light medical care and social interaction. With these efforts he established the MUSHROOM program (Multidisciplinary UnSheltered Homeless Relief Outreach of Morgantown.) Since its first street round in 2005, MUSHROOM has helped more than 550 clients in need. Every other Tuesday evening Dr. Deci along with other volunteers from the WVU School of Medicine and social work students meet the homeless on their "turf" by providing street rounds. No matter what the weather, these visits persist which help to build a sense of trust among the homeless and provide them with much needed service. This service also helps educate and acquaint students into the needs of the Monongalia County community.

Teresa McCune, Williamson, West Virginia (Jenco Foundation Outstanding Service to Youth Award, 2007). Teresa McCune touches the future by encouraging underprivileged and disadvantaged high school students from the coalfields of southern West Virginia to follow their dreams and apply to not only local colleges, but to the best in our nation. She facilitates their efforts to gain acceptance and succeed at higher institutions of their choice. McCune's efforts help first generation youth attend college. Mingo County has a 28% poverty rate, 40% of the population lacks a high school diploma and only 6% of the population have an education beyond high school. While serving as public defender of Mingo County, Ms. McCune has advocated for her young clients, seeing beyond the troubled teen facing the judicial process. She provides intensive personal guidance to each student to help them overcome any family or financial hindrances. She often uses her own resources, gives freely of her time and advice. Prior to going to college, Ms. McCune throws a College Shower providing young women with items they need for going away, but more important, letting them know they have a support group ready to help them should they get homesick, have difficulty in college or just need some encouragement. Under Teresa's mentoring, students from Mingo County have successfully applied to Harvard, Yale and all colleges in West Virginia. She creates an environment for these youths that fosters personal growth and exploration of every available opportunity.

Henry Burke, Marietta, Ohio (Jenco Foundation Lifetime Commitment to Appalachian Heritage Award, 2007). Teacher, lecturer, historian, and "Buckeye" are some of the terms which best describe and represent Henry Robert Burke. He was born in Columbus, Ohio but has spent the majority of his life in Southeast Ohio, along the banks of the "ole" Muskingum and Ohio Rivers. His family came to Ohio before the Civil War and he takes great pride in the "Buckeye State." Through his ability as a writer, storyteller and acknowledged "folk character," Mr. Burke has brought alive the toil, tribulation and hardship of African Americans who, as slaves, passengers on the underground railroad, and fugitives evaded slave owners and bounty hunters in their determination to be free and productive citizens. He is an expert on African American History, Slave Owning Plantations, Underground Railroad Sites, the Underground Railroad and Abolitionist Activities. His nominators have described him as, "The only person who publicly talked about the multi-cultural diversity and African American history in Appalachian Ohio and the Ohio River Valley. A topic typically hushed up or considered taboo." He is described as, "indefatigable, generous, thoughtful, and passionate."

Frank Hare, Amesville, Ohio (Jenco Foundation Inspired Community Service Award, 2007). The Reverend Frank Hare has become a pillar of his extended community. His ministry in Athens County started in 1967 with pastoral responsibilities for New England, Amesville, Doanville and Alexander congregations. A large part of those responsibilities was to work with special ministries such as summer youth camps, vacation area worship services, etc. Frank is now with the Amesville-New England Cooperative Parish, Presbyterian Church and has bee since 1981, with duties including Session Moderator and Personnel Advisor as well as pastoral duties. The volunteer list of services in which Frank participated includes: Athens Ohio Salvation Army Community Board, 1970-2005; Athens County Food Pantry Treasurer-1982 to present; Commissioner to the Commission on Religion in Appalachia - 1976 to present; Scioto Valley Presbyter, Presbyterian Church (USA); Geneva Hills Camp Committee, 1982-present; Lay Professionals Training Committee, 1981-2000; Amesville Grange, 1981-present; Amesville Village Mayor, 1992-present. At the International level, Frank (with family and friends) took Mission Work trips to Rancho Ebenezer, Nicaragua, 2002-2006, to upgrade the living standards at a sustainable agricultural demonstration and training facility. Those efforts help low income families and communities improve their food supplies and nutrition levels.

Margaret Tabler, Stewart, Ohio (Jenco Foundation Community Leadership & Organizing Award, 2007). Margaret Tabler has worked tirelessly to support the Federal Valley Resource Center in Stewart, helping to develop a senior citizens club by seeking grant funds and organizing volunteers to paint and remodel the room and repair the roof. She facilitated the addition of a free, mobile health clinic from the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is also instrumental in supporting the Kilvert Community Center by organizing fundraisers, raffles, making quilts to sell and helping at the Food Pantry. She teaches crochet and sewing classes at the Center and organizes an annual car show to support the center. This Stewart native also organizes kids programs, 4-H programs, clothing drives and motivates others to volunteer within the community. She has generously shared her skills, talents, time and energy to make Stewart a better place for all citizens. Ms. Tabler is dedicated to her village and serves as a role model for youth and others. She is a vital force behind the Federal Valley Resource Center and an exemplary example as a community member and volunteer. Margaret Tabler accomplishes the seemingly impossible tasks and provides a sense of community in Stewart.

Bob Smiddie, Meigs County, Ohio (Jenco Award, 2006). A quiet leader who is a champion of social issues of importance to the lives of the poor and working people of Southeast Ohio, Bob Smiddie is an issue-oriented organizer, who engages with hot policy issues and adds to the debate with his thorough research and study. His patient effort brings diverse groups together to find solutions; he collects signatures for petitions, creates ballot measures, works with state legislators and local politicians. In these ways, Bob keeps the "D" in democracy. Bob can bring complicated issues like single-payer insurance and health care to the public forum for discussion. Bob has been an aggressive driving force behind a more equitable school-funding plan for Ohio. He does not settle for incremental, minor reforms; his goals are loftier: to create equitable systems for health care and school funding. He is outspoken on issues he is passionate about and supports those causes, rarely refusing a request for a fundraiser donation of his finely crafted pottery. Bob's pureness of concern and sincerity of intent make him well respected throughout the region and inspires others to be advocates as well.

Rhonda Bentley, Nelsonville, Ohio (Jenco Foundation Inspired Community Leadership Award, 2006). Whenever she sees a need, Rhonda Bentley takes action. Not long after she saw children waiting for the school bus in front of her home without coats or proper shoes, Rhonda organized a clothing bank with the help of her church. Her compassion and concern for the people in Nelsonville does not stop at 5 p.m. when it's time to go home from her job as director of the Family Information Center. She extends her hand and heart regardless of her own situation, giving extra hours to paint offices, organize activity groups and baseball programs for teens, or clean and iron donated clothing. Rhonda convinced other social service organizations to collaborate to help the needy receive food, clothes and lunches for kids during the summer. Rhonda gives her time and talent to make Nelsonville a better place to live.

Adrienne Nagy, Athens, Ohio (Jenco Foundation Inspirational Advocate for Mental Health Award, 2006). As a gentle leader of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), Adrienne encourages those suffering from mental illness, their loved ones and the community to attend regular meetings and learn about brain disorders. Adrienne's inspired leadership gives hope that there is outreach for those who suffer mental illness. She is a ferocious champion of those with brain orders, having successfully petitioned the local alcohol, drug addiction and mental health services board to adjust the way it delivers outpatient services to the mentally ill. Adrienne turned the painful, personal tragedy of loosing her son Peter to mental illness into a determination to help others. Instead of breaking under the pain, grief and anger, as most of us might have done, Adrienne lobbied vigorously and successfully in the way outpatient care is delivered. She reaches out to families with loved ones in crisis and offers hope and comfort through Family-First classes and Hand-to-Hand courses for consumers in recovery. Adrienne implemented Crisis Intervention Training of the Athens Police Force helping officers to recognize mentally ill offenders, to defuse crisis situations and those in crisis for appropriate help rather than to jail. Adrienne is a tireless advocate for the mentally ill, among the most vulnerable people in our society, those who cannot advocate for themselves.

Sister Mary Brendan Conlon, Kermit, West Virginia (Jenco Foundation Community Leader Initiative Award, 2006). Sister Brendan works to make the lives of families in the southern West Virginia region more tolerable. She began Christian Help, Inc., of Mingo County, whose mission is "to respond to situations of emergency and need with immediacy and simplicity, respecting the dignity of all persons, in the spirit of Jesus Christ." Christian Help is an emergency assistance agency, pro-viding food, clothing, household needs, furniture, and financial aid for such emergencies as utility assistance, medicines, rent, home and car repairs to those in need. The agency also created a transit service, which takes people who lack cars to doctors, hospitals, agencies, wherever they need to go, since there is no public transportation in Mingo County, and a dentures/eyeglass program that has provided these two necessities not covered by Medicaid to hundreds of people who could not afford them. Sister Conlon's tenacity doesn't allow her to take "no" for an answer; instead she persuades others to help solve problems, raise money, and even construct a building for her agency. She is a tireless advocate and voice for those trapped in poverty and for the underserved in Appalachia.

Lorraine Myers, Athens, Ohio (Jenco Foundation Inspirational Service to Women & Families Award, 2006). For 40 years, Lorraine Myers has volunteered with the La Leche League of Athens assisting new mothers and babies to breastfeed. Through this service, Lorraine helps women and families save money, improve babies' health and save on medical expenses. This effort also helps save society money in later years as babies grow up healthier. Lorraine's advice, support and home visits show how she is a caring, conscientious mentor. As a committed community advocate Lorraine has helped influence policy on breastfeeding issues at the state and local level. Lorraine works for the dignity of breastfeeding mothers, helping more than 2,000. Lorraine sends forth tiny ripples of hope with her simple acts to improve the lives of others.

Arlene Sheak, Athens, Ohio (Jenco Foundation Outstanding Advocate for People with Disabilities, 2006). A gentle spirit who advocates for those with disabilities in the home, school, employment or court settings, Arlene Sheak has initiative to help others. She is an advocate for universal health care for all and works for social justice issues. Arlene tracks down resources to help the staff or clients of HAVAR get items they need, be it a computer, clothing, a housing subsidy or a pet. She worked behind the scenes to help people in the community experiencing a crisis, medical emergency or loss, using her contacts and knowledge connected them with a circle of support and caring.

Ric MacDowell (Jenco Award, 2005). Ric MacDowell is recognized for his ongoing work in social justice, and his support and advocacy for high risk youth and families. Ric's life- long work involves developing programs which serve youth and families often ignored and left out of services and opportunities. As a West Virginia University faculty member in Lincoln County he has established a series of resiliency building programs. These multi-year programs target youngsters in county elementary and high schools and provide support, mentoring and services. Ric has been an advocate to youth and families in the legal and human service systems, appearing with them in court, school, and social service hearings. Since 1981, Ric has directed YOC residence camps in Lincoln County for low income elementary youth which stress critical thinking, decision making, and pro-social skill development. These are free camps for which Ric raises money for all costs involved. Ric began his career in West Virginia in 1968 as a VISTA volunteer doing community organizing. He has worked as a college administrator and coach, a public school teacher, teaching principal, photographer, and currently WVU professor and Extension Agent. As an active community leader he has served as president of a variety of boards including Lincoln County Primary Care Center, Prestera Center for Mental Health Services, Appalachian Womens Leadership Project, WV Catholic Community Services, the Mountain State Art and Craft Fair, and Save Our Mountains. He has been part of Witness for Peace delegations to Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Columbia, working to support citizens affected by war and political upheaval. The $5000 Jenco Award will be donated by MacDowell to continue efforts to construct a residence camp on the Left Fork of the Mud River Lake in Lincoln County.

Ann Stempel and Shirley Whan (Jenco Foundation Inspiring Community Service Award, 2005). Ann Stempel and Shirley Whan pioneered innovative support of mental health by founding The Gathering Place which serves mental health clients in a homelike setting. For 30 years these women have invested their time, talent and resources in development and care of their successful and worthwhile establishment. Members of The Gathering Place receive support, socialization, instruction in activities of daily living, independence and responsibility for living in the community. Their day-to-day attention and empathy for those in need has kept this tool for wellness a vital part of Athens. By creating a place of belonging, where mental illness is understood and accepted, Stempel and Whan have provided a safe haven for recovery and acceptance and changed lives through their diligence, heart and dedication to the cause mental health recovery.

Catherine Hare (Jenco Foundation Compassion in Action Award, 2005). Catherine Hare receives the 2005 Compassion Award for her boundless compassionate work for those with special needs - retarded and disabled children and adults. Catherine ran the Athens County Association for Retarded citizens' summer camp on donations and willpower for 27 years. Before she retired she was well-known as a creative and loving teacher at Beacon School for 24 years where she also organized the Beacon School Bell Choir. Her work in the community exemplifies her belief in the dignity and value each person has to offer their community. Catherine's love, compassion and empathy are spontaneous and spring from a truly humanitarian spirit.

Cindy Yeager (Jenco Foundation Compassion in Action Award, 2005). Cindy Yeager, through the Canine Care Program she developed at Hocking College Perry Campus, touches many lives including prisoners, college students and rural elementary and junior high students. Through a wide-ranging community collaborative effort, Yeager works with inmates in Noble Correctional Institute to train stray dogs that are then adopted in the community. Millcreek Elementary School children raised money to help care for the dogs, some even using their milk money to buy leashes. The students communicate with the inmate dog-handlers through the mail and sending Christmas cards. College students developed a magazine to capture the transformation the Canine program creates in children and the inmates. The partnership has broken down stereotypes about inmates held by the students and inmates learn responsibility and that people do care for things other than themselves.

Lisa Roberts (Jenco Foundation Community Leadership Initiative Award, 2005). Lisa Roberts is a tireless and vocal advocate for providing food and nutrition to the area's needy. Lisa knows about poverty first-hand, once resorting to feeding her sons Spaghettio's for Thanksgiving while she ate nothing. Her story could be one more sad tale of poverty, but this determined woman rose above poverty to help herself, her family, and her community. She began her life of service as a 4-H leader then started Little Blessings for local mothers who had so little money they were giving their children Coffee-mate and water instead of formula. Now, as director of Friends and Neighbors Community Food Pantry, Lisa has helped make it a vital part of southeastern Ohio. She runs a soup kitchen, a Community Closet that offers clothes, a Community Toolbox for making home repairs and Healthy Connections that provides nurses and medical supplies. Lisa is a long-time volunteer who has made a direct difference in thousands of lives in Appalachia, bringing people hands-on help, self-worth and dignity, along with food, clothing, love and hope.

Sister Mary Kriley, Gassaway, WV (Jenco Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, 2005). An exceptional 80-year-old woman for selflessly giving to the poor and needy of Gassaway, West Virginia through a Food Pantry and ACT II Thrift Shop, helping families at Christmas and assisting with the activities of St. Thomas Church.

Marcheta Slate, Fairmont, WV (Jenco Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, 2005). For being a tireless advocate for the poor, homeless and elderly in Fairmont, West Virginia by working quietly, behind-the-scenes raising money for food drives and the needy and for exhibiting a committed spirit in sharing her time and talent with those in need. Your direct, caring action contributes to the quality of life for others and challenges us to share from our abundance with those less fortunate.

Dorothy Swearingen, New Cumberland, WV (Jenco Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, 2005). For giving time, energy and leadership to New Cumberland, West Virginia through her work at the Food Closet and for being a compassionate friend to community senior citizens and for spearheading the recovery efforts after a devastating flood hit New Cumberland.

Ida Belle Weatherall, Kenova, WV (Jenco Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, 2005). For showing extraordinary compassion to members of the Kenova, West Virginia community by giving unselfishly of her time to others when she prepares meals for and visits the sick, offers rides to appointments for those in need, and always offering words of encouragement where needed.

William D. Wintz, Nitro, WV (Jenco Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, 2005). For capturing and recording the history and culture of West Virginia communities so that citizens and future generations take pride in their heritage and keep their history in their hearts. For steadfastly supporting your church and community through volunteer activities, for giving to those in need and for being a pillar of integrity and kindness to all he encounters.

Jack Spadaro (Jenco Award, 2004). Jack Spadaro is personal committed to fighting for the health and safety of people living and working in mining regions. Spadaro fearlessly and steadfastly resisted the Bush Administration's attempts to discredit him and whitewash his report on the Martin County, Kentucky mine wash dam break in October 11, 2000 that dumped 306 million tons of toxic sludge into 100 miles of streams. Spadaro and his research team found that the Mine Safety and Health Administration did not recommend improvements to the dam after a similar spill in1994. Spadaro spoke out publicly against the government's attempt to cover-up responsibility for the spill. He was personally harassed and fired from his job that he held for 25 years, but continues to speak out about the hazards and need for more safety measures, control and oversight of the mining industry's use of mine wash dams. Update: Jack Spadaro wins 2006 Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Award.

Jim Couts, (Jenco Foundation Community Leader Initiative Award, 2004). Jim Couts' zeal for feeding the hungry children in southern Ohio inspired him to establish new summer feeding programs in Athens and Vinton counties and to initiate a migrant labor feeding program in Meigs County. He aggressively partners with other agencies, such as Ohio's Second Harvest Foodbanks, to develop innovative ways to feed hungry children and families year-round. He hopes to expand the migrant feeding program into an education center and health clinic.

Sandra Shirey (Jenco Foundation Outstanding Community Service Award, 2004). Sandra Shirey for 19 years has driven the Athens area Red Cross Chapter to serve more people through her tireless dedication as director. Shirey motivates staff and recruits volunteers in unprecedented numbers through her energy, personal sacrifices and her example of giving to the community round-the-clock. Sandra responds to fires, floods and other emergencies at all hours and in all seasons, and continues to be of service to the region above and beyond what her job requires. The Athens Red Cross Chapter has been able to expand services to Meigs, Hocking, Vinton, Gallia and Jackson counties due to Shirey's leadership. She has conducted a successful capital campaign, engaged all of the region's disaster relief services, public offices and businesses in emergency management training and lobbied for mandatory inclusion of smoke detectors in rental units. Sandra's dedication to the people of southeastern Ohio encourages the spirit of giving and volunteering efforts in others.

Donna Sue Groves (Jenco Foundation Inspirational Service through the Arts Award, 2004). Donna Sue Groves' intense passion and commitment for Appalachian arts and artisans have ignited action in communities throughout the region. Groves encourages collaborations and new partnerships in the arts and economic development. Traditional quilt squares were painted on barns throughout Adams County as part of the Quilt Sampler project, which is expanding in other counties as a result of Groves' leadership. She has proactively built partnerships to develop the Appalachian Discovery birding and heritage trail brochure that leads tourists through the region. Groves is an advocate for unique festivals that positively enhance the economy and cultural traditions of the region. As nominator Leslie Lilly, president of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio wrote of Groves: "the fire of her imagination inspires us all to treasure what too often has been overlooked in our own midst as worthy of celebration."

Reginald L. Robinson (Jenco Foundation Youth Leadership Award, 2004). Reginald Robinson has reached hundreds of regional youth and teens as DJ 'Rockin' Reggie' with his positive message of being "Drug Free and Proud." He plays music to teen dances and social events and promotes a positive image of having responsible fun. Robinson has been dedicated to addressing the devastating effects of drug and alcohol addiction in communities by developing and distributing prevention resources, intervention programs as well as a public television show and special. Robinson has been a strong advocate for continued government funding of prevention programs. As a DJ and Prevention counselor, Rockin' Reggie is an important positive regional influence to help keep teens drug and alcohol free.

Cheryl Wintz Withrow (Jenco Foundation Inspiring Community Service Award, 2004). Cheryl Wintz Withrow has helped West Virginians recognize the rich history of the state and to take pride in the cultural and family ties that build communities, churches and schools. Her efforts of preserving photos, recording the state's history and organizing alumni events helps reconnects citizens with their hometowns, an essential ingredient in community development. Cheryl is an inspiring voluntary leader in the Mountain State who provided positive alternatives for underprivileged youth and let neighborhood food drives for the needy. She and her husband Johnny founded Nitro Christian Fellowship Church 20 years ago this August that serves as a beacon of light in the Putnam County area.

Irene Flowers (Jenco Award, 2003). Irene Flowers, for the last 36 years, has selflessly and tirelessly kept the Kilvert Community Center running as an integral hub for the citizens of this rural Athens County village. At 75 years of age, Irene arrives at the Center every day to cook, sew, manage the finances and inspire volunteers with her leadership style of keeping busy and giving back to her community.

Elise Mitchell Sanford (Jenco Foundation Advocate for Mental Health Award, 2003). Elise Sanford, through her patient guidance, has provided and outlet and a voice through the arts and photography, that enables individuals recovering from mental illness to freely and creatively express themselves. Giving cameras, film and instruction to the first class resulted in The Athens Photographic Project, a catalog and display of compelling and symbolic photographs. Participants utilize photography to communicate what their lives are like. "Photography gives these people a voice. Through that language these people have regained their self-confidence, become whole again,"writes participant Matt Gallagher in the first catalog, I Have a Voice.

Susan Burt (Jenco Foundation Outstanding Youth Development Award, 2003). Susan Burt started High Rocks Academy for Girls after seeing too many teenage girls' lives in rural West Virginia unravel. Either living in a home with an alcoholic or drug addicted parent, or sensing no future for themselves, the teens would drop out of school, get involved in a social group where abuse of drugs, alcohol and sex were prevalent. Burt saw a need to give these girls an alternative and an opportunity to finish their education, get away from abusive situations and focus on their futures. High Rocks Academy runs on grants and donations and offers advanced math and science courses and personal, self-esteem building counseling. Her rigorous academic and outdoors program has enabled nearly 150 girls from mountainous areas of eastern West Virginia to go on to college and careers.

Keith Wasserman, Athens, Ohio (Jenco Award, 2002). Keith Wasserman grew up in the Jewish community of Cleveland, Ohio during the 1960s. Graduating high school was a major milestone for Keith because he had spent the five previous years using and selling drugs. Keith moved to Athens, Ohio in 1976 to attend Ohio University and it was in Athens that he felt a call to full time Christian ministry. During his senior year at Ohio University Keith remodeled the basement of his home into a two-bedroom apartment to assist what he then called "displaced persons." Keith had a vision to reach out to the poor and homeless of Southeast Ohio and brought that vision to a reality. In 1981 he opened established Good Works, Inc. with the help of friends and supporters. Good Works is a Christian non-profit ministry that provides shelter to the rural poor and homeless of Southeastern Ohio. They now have an emergency shelter (The Timothy House) operating 24 hours daily, and another facility (The Hannah House) to address the long-term issues of the homeless. Keith is now in his 24th year working with the poor and homeless and speaks more than 80 times each year to community groups, churches, and on college campus about being involved in the lives of 'those who can not repay us' - the widow, the fatherless and the stranger (Job 29:1-17). To better understand homelessness, Keith has chosen to be homeless on 8 different occasions over the past 12 years in seven urban cities.