Linda Grudi receives Essence of Humanity Award

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Essence of Humanity

Linda Grudi

Linda Grudi of Palmyra was awarded the Essence of Humanity Award on November 7, 2011, at Catholic Charities annual Come and See Dinner, a community gathering to support Homes for Healing.

The Essence of Humanity Award recognizes individuals who, beyond the requirements of their work, demonstrate remarkable human qualities including courage, love,strength, determination, and persistence when dealing with adversity.

About Linda Grudi

Linda Grudi’s  nomination essay was submitted by Hilary Hoover.  The following are excerpts.

For more than 10 years, Ms. Grudi served as the Program Director for the Interfaith Shelter for Homeless Families.  She retired from her long-standing position in September 2010, but while there, her incredible leadership, dedication to the program, and most importantly her compassion for those facing adversity was a true inspiration to those who knew her.  Much of her ability to exhibit love, patience, and genuine kindness to the families at Interfaith came from her first career as a mother.  Later in life, after her children were grown, Linda went back to college and eventually earned her Master’s in Community Psychology from Penn State University.

While at Interfaith, Linda demonstrated strong advocacy for social change, and in fact thought of herself as a change agent.  She was active in the Capital Area Coalition for Homelessness and supported efforts to educate the wider community on the issues facing those who experienced homelessness.  She worked diligently to identify and address the gaps in service and helped to organize training sessions for shelter providers.  She was instrumental in reducing the eviction rate, believing strongly that every family deserved a
chance to make positive change.

Linda’s belief that all people deserve to be treated with love, dignity, and respect was a widely known and respected expectation.  Even after her retirement last year, she is still often remembered for her hard work and incredible leadership around this important issue here in the community.

About Essence of Humanity

The Essence of Humanity Award honors those who inspire the best in all of us, through the presentation of the award and also by elevating the narratives of the recipients. The program began in 2001 when business and community leaders in South-Central Pennsylvania established the award. The award is presented by participating organizations in collaboration with the Essence of Humanity program’s steering committee, which evaluates the nominations. For more information, contact Robin Stauffer, Executive Director, at 717-293-4498, or visit the website at www.essenceofhumanity.org.

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Dorothy Heckstall receives Essence of Humanity Award

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Essence of Humanity

Dorothy Heckstall of Harrisburg was awarded the Essence of Humanity Award on September 1, 2011, at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s Agency Relations Gathering.

The Essence of Humanity Award recognizes individuals who, beyond the requirements
of their work, demonstrate remarkable human qualities including courage, love, strength, determination, and persistence when dealing with adversity.

About Dorothy Heckstall

Dorothy Heckstall’s  nomination essay was submitted by Brad Peterson.  The following are excerpts.

For many years, Ms. Heckstall has been fervently devoting her time and energy to improve the lives of her Dauphin County neighbors who are in need of assistance.  She is considered a champion of hunger by many, as she spends much of her time at the Food Pantry at Antioch Tabernacle.

While Ms. Heckstall has sometimes also personally faced the issue of food insecurity, she has done so with a faith and optimism that is unshakeable. It is this fortitude that has served her well as she has encouraged others to not feel ashamed of their hardship, but rather to persevere, in spite of the adversity they may be facing.  Her understanding and compassion for others has touched many lives, both at the Food Pantry and beyond.  As was so eloquently stated in her nomination, “In spite of her own adversities in life, Dot continues to strive to provide a spirit of caring and inspiration to others on a daily basis by serving those in need, and not only with food and nourishment,  but with dignity and compassion.”

Demonstrating her commitment to this mission, Ms. Heckstall did not waste any time recovering from surgery this past year before she was back at the Food Pantry assisting her hungry neighbors.  It only took her one day of rest before she was back on her feet serving others.

About Essence of Humanity

The Essence of Humanity Award honors those who inspire the best in all of us, through the presentation of the award and also by elevating the narratives of the recipients. The program began in 2001 when business and community leaders in South-Central Pennsylvania established the award. The award is presented by participating organizations in collaboration with the Essence of Humanity program’s steering committee, which evaluates the nominations. For more information, contact Robin Stauffer, Executive Director, at 717-293-4498, or visit the website at www.essenceofhumanity.org.

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Loan Vo receives Essence of Humanity Award

Posted on August 25, 2011 by Essence of Humanity

Loan Vo of Lancaster was awarded the Essence of Humanity Award on August 25, 2011, at the School District of Lancaster’s All-Staff Meeting.

The Essence of Humanity Award recognizes individuals who, beyond the requirements of their work, demonstrate remarkable human qualities including courage, love, strength, determination, and persistence when dealing with adversity.

About Loan Vo

Loan Vo’s  nomination essay was submitted by Laura Kanagy.  The following are excerpts.

Loan Vo has worked at McCaskey East since 2003 as the school custodian.  He tirelessly and cheerfully greets teachers and students each day as he cleans and response to the many special requests.

Mr. Vo is very active in the City helping recent Vietnamese immigrants adjust to life in the United States.  Students seek him out for help understanding documents or for translation of information for their parents.  Outside of school hours, he provides transportation for people who need rides to the social security office or to the health department.  He helps people find jobs and apartments to rent, and he accompanies people to the hospital where he translates and assists with paperwork.

Before coming to the United States, Mr. Vo lived in Vietnam and then in refugee camps in Malaysia.  His family fled North Vietnam to the South during the war, and Mr. Vo ended up in prison for 3 years, shackled to a wall and forced to do heavy labor.  When he finally got out of prison, he had to leave the country and spent the next 3 years in a refugee camp.  All together, he was separated from his family for 10 years.

Mr. Vo is a humble man with a warm smile for everyone he meets.  He is quietly making this world a cleaner and kinder place to live in.

About Essence of Humanity

The Essence of Humanity Award honors those who inspire the best in all of us, through the presentation of the award and also by elevating the narratives of the recipients. The program began in 2001 when business and community leaders in South-Central Pennsylvania established the award. The award is presented by participating organizations in collaboration with the Essence of Humanity program’s steering committee, which evaluates the nominations. For more information, contact Robin Stauffer, Executive Director, at 717-293-4498, or visit the website at www.essenceofhumanity.org.

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Aung Naing Oo receives Essence of Humanity Award

Posted on August 25, 2011 by Essence of Humanity

Aung Naing Oo of Lancaster was awarded the Essence of Humanity Award on August 25, 2011, at the School District of Lancaster’s All-Staff Meeting.

The Essence of Humanity Award recognizes individuals who, beyond the requirements of their work, demonstrate remarkable human qualities including courage, love, strength, determination, and persistence when dealing with adversity.

About Aung Naing Oo

Aung Naing Oo’s  nomination essay was submitted by Angela Kerrick and Bill Jimenez.  The following are excerpts.

Aung Naing Oo was born in 1992 in the forest somewhere between Burma and Thailand as his parents fled the tyranny of the Burmese army.  He does not remember his mom dying, but knows that she died of a heart attack as a result of the difficult journey to Thailand.  His father abandoned him at the refugee camp in Thailand and left him in the care of his uncle. 

At the age of 16, and with the help of the United Nations, Aung and his uncle made the difficult journey to the United States.  With the help of Lutheran Refugee Services, Aung and his uncle began to build a life in Lancaster and Aung enrolled at the International School at McCaskey East in April 2008.  Finding it difficult to support both he and Aung, his uncle placed Aung in foster care in January 2009 and left Lancaster. 

Despite these overwhelming obstacles, Aung has shown remarkable resilience.  He has become an outstanding student, joined the soccer team his junior year, and was chosen by his peers as a member of the Homecoming Court.  Aung graduated from McCaskey in June with a 3.2 GPA, and he is currently enrolled at Harrisburg Community College planning to study Human Services so that he can someday work abroad helping people access education so that they can have the same opportunities that he did.

Aung is an inspiration to all who know him.

About Essence of Humanity

The Essence of Humanity Award honors those who inspire the best in all of us, through the presentation of the award and also by elevating the narratives of the recipients. The program began in 2001 when business and community leaders in South-Central Pennsylvania established the award. The award is presented by participating organizations in collaboration with the Essence of Humanity program’s steering committee, which evaluates the nominations. For more information, contact Robin Stauffer, Executive Director, at 717-293-4498, or visit the website at www.essenceofhumanity.org.

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Essence of Humanity Award celebrates 10th Anniversary

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Essence of Humanity

The Essence of Humanity Award Program celebrates its 10th anniversary during 2011. So far 85 individuals across Central Pennsylvania have received the award. Many of their stories are posted on the Essence of Humanity website, and broadcast news stories can be viewed on WHTM 27’s website.

“We’re thrilled to be celebrating 10 years and dozens of truly remarkable heroes we’ve been able to honor during that time,” said executive director Robin Stauffer. “Our mission has been to recognize these inspiring role models and raise up their stories, and it continues to be a privilege to do so,” she said.

The Essence of Humanity Award recognizes individuals who, beyond the requirements of their work, demonstrate remarkable human qualities including courage, love, strength, determination, and persistence when dealing with adversity.

More about Essence of Humanity

The Essence of Humanity Award honors those who inspire the best in all of us, through the presentation of the award and also by elevating the narratives of the recipients. The program began in 2001 when business and community leaders in South-Central Pennsylvania established the award. The award is presented by participating organizations in collaboration with the Essence of Humanity program’s steering committee, which evaluates the nominations. For more information, contact Robin Stauffer, Executive Director, at 717-293-4498, or visit the website at www.essenceofhumanity.org.

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John Judson, M.D., receives Essence of Humanity Award

Posted on April 29, 2011 by Essence of Humanity
Essence of Humanity Award Winner

John Judson, M.D.

John Judson, M.D., of Lemoyne, Pa., was awarded the Essence of Humanity Award on April 28, 2011, at the United Way Volunteer Center’s Annual Award Program in Harrisburg.

The Essence of Humanity Award recognizes individuals who, beyond the requirements of their work, demonstrate remarkable human qualities including courage, love, strength, determination, and persistence when dealing with adversity.

About John Judson

John Judson’s nomination essay was submitted by Karen Snider.  The following are excerpts.

John Judson has demonstrated a remarkable passion for helping people, both locally and globally, who suffer through severe physical conditions. Since graduating from Georgetown Medical School in 1965, Dr. Judson has completed residencies in general surgery at Yale University and cardio-thoracic surgery at the University of Utah. Woven throughout his professional medical career in the United Sates has been a deep commitment to helping address the tremendous unmet medical needs in developing nations.

His incredible commitment began in 1968 when he served a residency at the hospital Albert Schweitzer in central Haiti. Since 1984, he has returned to work at the hospital as a volunteer surgeon on more than 50 occasions. He served as Medical Director and Chief of Surgery at the hospital from 1997 to1999.

Since the earthquake in Haiti a year ago, Dr. Judson has traveled there many times. In addition to volunteering to provide surgeries, he also helps address the cholera epidemic. Since the earthquake, he does cardiac surgery as well as non-emergency surgery and cleans chronic infected wounds caused by post-earthquake conditions.

Dr. Judson has also lent his considerable medical talents in other underserved and poverty-ridden countries. From 1989 to 1996, he traveled approximately 10 times as a volunteer cardiac surgeon to Nicaragua. He has also participated in three Rotary medical missions to Ethiopia and the Dominican Republic.

Dr. Judson served as a visiting lecturer in Wroclaw, Poland, from 1984 to1985. Since 2000, he has been a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the World Surgical Foundation.

Dr. Judson has also demonstrated a remarkable commitment to helping to address medical needs in Central Pennsylvania. He was the Medical Director of the Hamilton Health Center from 2001-2003. He also served on the Board of the Community Check-up Center and is a member of the Advisory Committee of this charity. Dr. Judson is an active pilot and currently serves as a volunteer Angel Flight Pilot. Over the past several years alone, he has made dozens of flights in this capacity.

He has been an active Rotarian since 1997, both at the club level (Rotary Club of Harrisburg) and the Rotary District. He is currently the President of the Harrisburg Rotary Club. In this capacity, President Judson is leading many service projects, including work with Christian Churches United to provide overnight support services to the homeless at a local shelter.

Dr. Judson credits his wife of 47 years, Ann Marie, for helping nurture and develop his sense of caring and commitment. The Judsons have five grown children and five grandchildren. Dr. Judson has been an inspiration to other physicians and lay volunteers.

Since 2000, Dr. Judson has been a medical consultant with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He and wife Ann Marie received the Community Services Award from the National Physicians for Social Responsibility in 1993. Dr. Judson was presented with the Rotary Club of Harrisburg’s Community Service Award in 2004 and the Robert D. Hansen Excellence Award in 2006.

About Essence of Humanity

The Essence of Humanity Award honors those who inspire the best in all of us, through the presentation of the award and also by elevating the narratives of the recipients. The program began in 2001 when business and community leaders in South-Central Pennsylvania established the award. The award is presented by participating organizations in collaboration with the Essence of Humanity program’s steering committee, which evaluates the nominations. For more information, contact Robin Stauffer, Executive Director, at 717-293-4498, or visit the website at www.essenceofhumanity.org.

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Ruby Jones receives Essence of Humanity Award

Posted on March 11, 2011 by Essence of Humanity

Ruby Jones

Pastor Ruby Jones of Lancaster, Pa., was awarded the Essence of Humanity Award January 17, 2011, at the Crispus Attucks Community Center’s Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, held at the Lancaster County Convention Center and Lancaster at the Marriott at Penn Square.

The Essence of Humanity Award recognizes individuals who, beyond the requirements of their work, demonstrate remarkable human qualities including courage, love, strength, determination, and persistence when dealing with adversity.

About Ruby Jones

Ruby Jones’ nomination was submitted by Jennifer Williams of Crispus Attucks Community Center. The following are excerpts from the nomination essay.

In a life such as Ruby Jones’, it is difficult to delineate the requirements of her work. A Christian pastor serving inner-city Lancaster, her life is devoted to God and others. Ruby sacrifices her personal time and her resources, including her home, for those she serves.

In addition to her prison ministry, she is a phone call away for those needing counsel or encouragement, and welcomes them to visit her as well. She opens her home with simple loving hospitality for weekly get-togethers of folks struggling to get their lives in order after addiction and often incarceration have devastated their families.

With limited financial resources, Ruby provides meals for the meetings and develops networks to provide food and clothing for those in need. She also provides activities for children of the families who visit.

Ruby is an example of love as she remains in good spirits, encouraging others while she faces personal hardship, trusting in God for her strength while being honest about her struggles.

She has shown courage, determination and persistence in pursuing her college studies even while serving those in need. Ruby has inspired several others through her love and leadership to develop themselves as volunteer group leaders so the ministry can serve more of the community. She also has inspired community participation in church activities in her home, coordinating services for all ages.

Ruby has dealt with numerous challenges and has overcome tremendous obstacles in her life.  One reason I am nominating Ruby for this award is that she is not a self-promoter or a recipient of major grants. I have always been amazed and inspired by Ruby’s faith in the face of hardship, her humor and honesty. She shows understanding and compassion as well as “tough love” for those she serves.

About Essence of Humanity

The Essence of Humanity Award honors those who inspire the best in all of us, through the presentation of the award and also by elevating the narratives of the recipients. The program began in 2001 when business and community leaders in South-Central Pennsylvania established the award. The award is presented by participating organizations in collaboration with the Essence of Humanity program’s steering committee, which evaluates the nominations. For more information, contact Robin Stauffer, Executive Director, at 717-293-4498, or visit the website at www.essenceofhumanity.org.

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Celso Mesias receives Essence of Humanity Award

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Essence of Humanity

Celso Mesias of Mount Joy, Pa., was honored by the Spanish American Civic Association (SACA) with an Essence of Humanity Award at the organization’s annual volunteer gala recently.

The Essence of Humanity Award recognizes individuals who, beyond the requirements of their work, demonstrate remarkable human qualities including courage, love, strength, determination, and persistence when dealing with adversity. The award also honors those who demonstrate a spirit of caring and provide inspiration to such individuals.

About Celso Mesias

Originally from Peru, Celso Mesias now plays an important role in the Lancaster community, inspiring hope as a “tireless advocate for young people,” according to SACA CEO Carlos Graupera. An employee of QVC and graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, Mesias partnered with Lancaster’s Radio Centro on a program he developed called Jovenes en Accion, a youth radio program designed to develop young people’s leadership skills. The program to train young people as radio broadcasters developed in them a confidence that led some of these young broadcasters to attend college.

Mesias was honored as a peacemaker in 2007 from the Lancaster Mediation Center and serves as Board Chair of Self Development of People Presbytery of Donegal, promoting and supporting community programs such as Seeds of Hope (an educational program for adults), Edad de Oro (a senior development program), and F.A.I.T.H Neighbors United (protecting and empowering children and families in Lancaster City). He recently founded Usted y su Familia family ministries and is about to serve as programmer and host of family and parenting education at Centro TV.

About Essence of Humanity

The Essence of Humanity Award honors those who inspire the best in all of us, through the award itself and by elevating the stories of the recipients. The program began in 2001 when business and community leaders in South-Central Pennsylvania established the award. The award is presented by participating organizations in collaboration with the Essence of Humanity program’s steering committee, which evaluates the nominations. For more information, contact Robin Stauffer, Executive Director, at 717-293-4498, or visit the website at www.essenceofhumanity.org.

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Past Award Winners

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Essence of Humanity

September 2010 – Frank Albrecht and Darlene Taylor Honored with EOH Award
April 2010 – Leigh McCauley Honored with EOH Award
April 2010 – Kay Pickering Honored with EOH Award
January 2010 – Dustin Lee Honored with EOH Award
January 2010 – Jesse Holloway and Carmen Guaigua Honored with EOH Award

December 2009 – Bob Handler Honored with EOH Award
October 2009 – Luis Torres and Juan Ramos Honored with EOH Award
September 2009 – Joann Judge Honored with EOH Award
April 2009 – Peter Thornburgh Honored with EOH Award
January 2009 – Bettie Cunningham Honored with EOH Award
January 2009 –EOH Names Joan Paxton Chair of Governing Board

September 2008 – Bonnie Ferrence Honored with EOH Award
August 2008 – Antwain Robinson Honored with EOH Award
August 2008 – Gerarda Shober Honored with EOH Award
March 2008 – EOH Appoints Two Communications Professionals to Governing Board
April 2008 – Elsa Baker Honored with EOH Award
January 2008 – Emily Marbury Honored with EOH Award
January 2008 – Freda Hall Stewart Honored with EOH Award
December 2007 – Theresa Simo Honored with EOH Award
December 2007 – Carol Sneath Honored with EOH Award
December 2007 – Michael Snook Honored with EOH Award
February 2007 – Jim Bender Honored with EOH Award

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