Dan Sipe was recognized with the Essence of Humanity Award on November 4, 2006, by the southern branch of the YMCA of York and York County.

Until May of 1998, Dan was enjoying the joys and challenges of raising two boys in southern York County, but then one misty night, his life took a dramatic turn when his 18 year-old son, Joe, was involved in a tragic automobile accident.  Joe spent the next six weeks in a coma with Dan and friends of the family keeping a constant vigil.  When Joe finally came out of the coma, he was in a vegetative state and given very little chance of making a meaningful recovery, and he had to be placed in a nursing home.

Dan was able to place Joe in a facility in Philadelphia for six months, where Joe's condition began to show signs of improvement, and in December 1998, Joe returned home where he was cared for by his father and his brother, Kristopher.  While he was able to return home, he was not able to walk, and due to significant head trauma, he functioned at the level of an 8 year-old.  He required supervision constantly and required physical and vision therapy five days a week.  Dan and Joe's persistence paid off when at the age of 21, he graduated from high school and was able to walk to the stage with minimal assistance from his brother to accept his diploma. 

Life continues to throw Joe challenges, as two years ago, he was diagnosed with cancer.  Throughout all of this, Dan remains Joe's steadfast advocate and caregiver.  He protects his physical health and nourishes his inner spirit.  Dan's entire life is centered on caring for his son and when challenges continue to present themselves, Dan pushes forward, always putting Joe's needs before his own.

Jane Tucker was recognized with the Essence of Humanity Award by ACCESS-York, Inc. on June 15, 2005, at their 25th Anniversary celebration.

It was in 1956 that Jane Tucker became a battered woman.  Her first husband, drunk or sober, took great joy in belittling everything about her and did not care who knew -- family, friends, co-workers, or even strangers.  For years, Jane lived with the fear of her husband coming home after a night of drinking and using her as a punching bag, until one night, he chased her throughout the house with a butcher knife while her baby slept and their three year-old son trembled in a corner.  It was at that point in time that Jane resolved to no longer be a victim of his abuse, and so she took her two children and left the marriage, seeking safety with family and friends.

In 1977, Jane was one of several community organizers to lead a task force on domestic violence, established by the United Way of York County.  Jane worked tirelessly to develop a temporary shelter that provided housing, counseling, and referral services for women and their children fleeing domestic abuse.  In 1980, ACCESS-York, Inc. opened its doors and Jane served as the first Board President.

Over the years, Jane has served in many roles for the shelter, from leading the organization to answering the hotline and responding as a volunteer advocate to emergency room calls.  Jane's dedication and perseverance has brought the issue of domestic violence to the forefront of the York community as she has helped countless victims find safety for themselves and their families.  The community will be forever grateful.