Jennifer Howell and Raymond Oleweiler were both recognized with the Essence of Humanity Award by United Disabilities Services on November 3, 2006.

Jennifer Howell was nominated for the strength, persistence, and kindness she exhibits every day, in spite of the challenges she faces personally.  After completing her degree in Psychology from Millersville University, Jennifer went to work for UDS as a Peer Counselor, where she used her personal experiences to assist, advocate, and stand up for the rights of people with disabilities.

Currently, she serves as a Transition Coordinator with UDS where again she is using her personal experience to encourage high school students to transition into adulthood and pursue their dreams, just as she has done, and she volunteers her time to develop training on sensitivity.  Jennifer's determination to complete her education, work full-time, volunteer, and be as independent as possible is an inspiration to all with whom she comes into contact.

Raymond Oleweiler has devoted many years to raising and caring for his son and daughter who suffer with Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy.  His son, Tim, is 50, and his daughter, Colleen, is 48, and they have both struggled with their affliction since their early years in high school.

Raymond does an outstanding job of handling the many challenging and complex details that are involved in the daily care of his children, and he has done so on his own since his wife's death seven years ago.  He has adapted his home to meet their every need, and when a new problem presents itself, Raymond quickly deals with it, and does so without complaint.  Raymond is a shining example of how to handle adversity with courage, love, strength, and determination.

Adrian Rodriguez was recognized with the Essence of Humanity Award by the Spanish American Civic Association on May 18, 2006, at the annual Fiesta.

Born in the Bronx in New York City, Adrian was an only child.  While love was strong in the Rodriguez household, they struggled to make ends meet.  In 1977, the family moved to Pottstown, Pennsylvania, where Adrian excelled at baseball.  He was the first Hispanic to play sports in the school's history, and he graduated in 1981.  Following high school, he attended Ursinus College where he studied computer management.

From the time he graduated high school, however, he began using marijuana and eventually began selling drugs.  By 1991, his drug use escalated and he lost his home, automobile and trashed his credit.  He ended up in prison in 1992 before being accepted into the House Arrest Program. 

Adrian was released from prison 14 years ago, and since that time, he has turned his life around.  He became the first ex-offender in the 230 years of Lancaster County Prison's existence to return as a Chaplain.  Adrian is also an Addictions Counselor, Assistant Director, Case Manager, and instructor in the Prison's re-entry management organization, and he is a licensed minister with the Worship Center in Leola.

Sam Young was recognized with the Essence of Humanity Award by Neighborhood Services on April 22, 2006, at the annual Party with a Purpose.

Sam is quick to volunteer to help in any situation.  He is usually seen with a smile on his face, and with his limited resources, he delivers papers to help augment his income.  Sam is dependable, kind, honest, and caring, and for the past two years, Sam has helped with the American Spirit Parade, a parade held in the City of Lancaster to honor veterans.

During the inaugural season at the Barnstormer Stadium, Sam volunteered at a large, busy concession stand in order to raise money for charitable purposes, and many days, you can find Sam sweeping the sidewalk or encouraging those he comes in contact with at Neighborhood Services.

Sam is an inspiration to all who know him.

Loretta Harris was recognized with the Essence of Humanity Award by Neighborhood Services on April 22, 2006, at the annual Party with a Purpose.

Loretta worked for Neighborhood Services for 40 years, and while she is retired, she continues to work as a "quiet soldier" behind the scenes, helping with fundraisers, shopping for those who cannot go on their own, and more importantly, demonstrating courage and strength when others feel they have none.

Loretta has overcome her own obstacles, having suffered two heart attacks, but she jumped right back into life and continues to support those in need in her community.

Connie Gutierrez was recognized with the Essence of Humanity Award by the Spanish American Civic Association on May 19, 2005, at the 24th annual Fiesta.

Connie is the mother of three children and served as a foster parent for 15 years.  She arrived in Lancaster from New York in 1973, and it was not long before she realized that there was a need for Hispanic foster parents.  She soon decided that this was the way that she was going to help her local community.

Connie and her husband have fostered 16 children through the years; presently, they have two children.  They work very hard to make sure that the children receive the best education possible and that they become responsible law abiding individuals.  Connie has maintained contact with the children who still call her for advice when they need that special mothering support and encouragement.

In addition to serving as a foster parent, Connie worked with the Head Start Program, the Spanish American Civic Association, and the Department of Public Welfare.  She is a member of El Redentor Church where she initiated a prison ministry program, serves as a Sunday School teacher, and is involved with support groups for women and teen mothers.

Sebastian Gonzalez was recognized with the Essence of Humanity Award by the Spanish American Civic Association on May 19, 2005, at the 24th annual Fiesta.

Born on a farm in Puerto Rico many miles from town hospitals, Sebastian lost his arm when he was only three days old as a result of an infection that developed at birth.  He came to the United States in 1966 as a farm worker, but he encountered resistance when he tried to obtain work.  One farmer did not want to hire him because he had only one arm, but after some persistence, Sebastian was able to demonstrate that he could do more than some men with two arms, and the farmer hired him on the spot.

Sebastian gives a lot of credit to his parents for teaching him to be loving and caring to all people regardless of their race.  His family taught him to be self-sufficient and to do things for himself in spite of his disability.  They taught him that education was very important and that what you learn in life can never be taken from you.

Sebastian is well regarded in his community and he has been an inspiration and example to many, encouraging them to strive to always do better and not to give up, no matter how difficult the circumstances.  He loves helping out in any way that he can, and he is quick to give sound advice and guidance to both young and old.  Sebastian is a former Board member of WLCH in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and he has been involved with the Puerto Rican Parade Committee for 14 years.