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Social Justice Award Previous Winners
2021
Mariah Stewart
Youth Social Justice Award
For serving as a role model for youth in our community by championing the rights of women and minorities and serving as a tutor for younger students and a peer mentor at West Ottawa High School.
Request Foods
Employment
For opening their doors to the diversity in our community by providing 75 immigrant workers with housing and transportation and by generously donating their products to local nonprofits and families in need.
Mary and Dean De Ridder
Education
For championing the acceptance and civil rights of the LGBTQ+ community and supporting their families.
Tito Venegas
Government & Community Relations
For passion and leadership in strengthening the Holland community by initiating programs at Intersection Ministries that address food scarcity, affordable housing, and language education.
Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity and Jubilee Ministries
Housing
For their spirit of collaboration to create long term, affordable housing options for families enabling them to thrive in all aspects of the community.
Dr. Margret Duncan of the Holland Community Health Center
Health
For teaching patients of all backgrounds how to provide healthy, safe and nurturing homes for their children through all stages of growth.
Herb Weller
Lifetime Achievement Award
For dedicating his life to building a culture of learning and connection between the City of Holland and the wider world.
2020
Isaiah Reynolds
Youth Social Justice Award
For advocating for racial justice and educating others about racial inequity while modeling excellence, integrity, and acceptance of others.
Gentex Corporation
Employment
For opening their doors to the diversity, equity and inclusion in our community by recruiting and training employees for Spanish-speaking OEC final assembly lines.
Ottawa Community Schools Network
Education
For collaborative leadership and their practices to integrate student supports, promote active family and community engagement, and expand enriched learning time and opportunities.
Sara Van Tongeren, Reverend Jennifer Adams, Jeff Sorensen, and Out on the Lakeshore
Government/Community Collaboration
For leading the efforts to pass the City’s Non-Discrimination Ordinance with mutually respectful collaboration between local government, community members, and local stakeholders.
COVID-19 Eviction Diversion Task Force consisting of the 58th District Court, Good Samaritan Ministries, and Legal Aid of Western Michigan
Housing
For their spirit of collaboration to provide eviction diversion services to vulnerable tenants and landlords in our community.
2019
Escape Ministries’ Alternative Suspension Accountability Program (ASAP)
Education
For their work helping suspended and expelled students, a group disproportionately represented by students of color. ASAP provides such students with a safe and nourishing environment, helps them keep up with their curriculum so that they can get back into their original schools, and pushes them to graduate.
Angela Maxwell and First United Methodist Church for Refresh: Hygiene and Hope
Housing
Earlier in the year, Maxwell, Homeless Outreach Specialist at Community Action House, developed and launched a program with community partners at the First United Methodist Church. Refresh: Hygiene and Hope is a shower, mail, and resource connection program that was designed based on requests from houseless clients and has become a focal point of community for this marginalized population, as well as a place where relationships can drive connections to mainstream services.
Yah-Hanna Jenkins Leys
Community Relations
In her prior role as Director of the Faith in Youth Program at Good Samaritan Ministries, Jenkins Leys recruited, trained, and supported AmeriCorps members who mentor at-risk youth in our community. Jenkins Leys currently serves as the Executive Director of Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates and also serves on the board of the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance. She is the co-founder of Women of Color GIVE, a philanthropy circle helping change the charitable giving landscape by adding more diverse voices to the philanthropy narrative.
Lupita Reyes
Lifetime Recognition Award
For her many contributions to the Holland community. In 1965, Reyes created and hosted Alegria Latina, Holland’s first all-Spanish language radio show which continues today airing on 92.7 The Van. Reyes was also pivotal in creating Holland Community Health, which now provides healthcare to more than 10,000 uninsured patients. As part of HCH, she was instrumental in recruiting some of the first Hispanic physicians to the City of Holland. Reyes helped establish Community Action House in 1969, which works to meet the basic human needs in our community and advocate for migrant workers. She founded LAUP, Latin Americans United for Progress which hosts the popular Latina Fiesta, offers ESL and GED classes, and assists with language interpretation requests. Reyes currently serves as a counsellor at LAR Counselling, which she also founded.
Hannah Huggett
Student Social Justice Award
Currently a 9th grade student at Black River High School, Huggett started her community service in the 6th grade as a member of the Black River “Green Team.” Working with the Black River School board and Republic Services, she was instrumental in organizing a new trash and composting program at her school. Huggett also took the initiative to organize the recycling efforts at the Tulip Time run last spring which diverted 434 pounds of recyclable materials from the local landfill. Huggett organized the 2019 Holland Climate Rally and addressed gun violence at the 2018 March for our Lives Rally. She also participated as a panel member for the Interfaith Gun Violence Reduction Symposium in Saugatuck.
2018
Center for Women in Transition (now Resilience)
The Coaching Boys into Men program of the CWIT seeks to engage men and boys as leaders and allies in promoting healthy relationships as a means of preventing domestic violence and sexual assault. CWIT staff members received training from the national organization A Call to Men and are now working with coaches at local high schools and other local non-profits to teach young male athletes about what healthy relationships look like, as well as to engage men of all ages as allies in preventing domestic violence and sexual assault.
Kayla McCallum, Holland Christian High School
Youth Social Justice Award
McCallum is actively involved in a variety of social issues from women's rights to gun safety and started the Social Justice Awareness Cub at Holland Christian. She helped organize and spoke at Holland's March for our Lives, attended the ACLU Advocacy Institute over the summer to learn more about the injustices within our society, and interned with Abdul El-Sayed to raise awareness for universal healthcare. McCallum is currently in communication with Promote the Vote, a movement to decrease voter restrictions in Michigan
2017
Holland High School Fall Cheerleading Team
Several members of the Holland High School fall cheerleading team took a knee during the playing of the National Anthem at a home football game, in a sign of protest to social injustice; other team members opted to stand. The Commission recognized each member of the team regardless of their action because as a team each member endured all of the criticism and negativity as well as the praise that followed. “The youth of our nation, of Holland, are concerned about their country, their schools and their community and these young women made a peaceful gesture, one of non-violence, one that was non-derogatory, and one that our civil liberties allow, to protest and promote awareness of social injustice,” said HRC Chair Keiffer Sestric. “It is not easy for anyone to stand up and speak out for yourself, for others, for something you believe in, and it is even harder when you are a youth, but we are a country based on freedoms, including freedom of speech and freedom to protest. We are acknowledging you and your action to have expressed your views peaceably.”
Organizers of the DACA March, October, 2017
Youth Social Justice Award
The organizers of the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) March in October , 2017, galvanized the community in a discussion around immigration and the impact to the Dreamers. The march was organized by representatives of three Hope College student organizations: the Latino Student Organization, Hope United for Justice, and Hope Democrats. The students receiving the award were Nancy Sierra, Jocelyn Gallegos, Alejandra Gomez-Limon, Frina Redolozar, Julia Fulton, and Ye Ji Jun. HYAC Co-Chair Alex Key noted that “By organizing this march, these students brought awareness around the plight of many youth in our community and country who arrived as children; many not knowing that they were undocumented until it was time to get a driver’s license, or complete college applications.”
Phil Coray
Lifetime Achievement Award
Phil Coray was recognized for his service on the Human Relations Commission spanning many terms, including his service as commission chair. The commission also recognized Coray’s lifetime of advocacy for fair housing, civil rights, and for those who feel their voices aren’t being heard.
2016
Spartan Nash and its Family Fare Supermarkets
For their commitment to employ and offer employment opportunities to veterans and persons with disabilities. Additional social justice programs include food and monetary donations to local food pantries and a commitment to advocating for the fair treatment of migrant farm workers.
Jesse Lynn, West Ottawa High School
Youth Social Justice Award
Lynn was responsible for organizing a peaceful protest on November 12, 2016 at Centennial Park. “Jesse’s peaceful march was not inspired by the results of the election; rather, the results of the hateful events after the election,” said HYAC's Jazmin Martinez.
2015
Sarah Yore-Van Oosterhout
On November 2, 2015, Sarah opened a nonprofit immigration legal service office, Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates, located at the Macatawa Resource Center. She is recognized as a leading advocate for community members in need of immigration assistance with a special focus on youth and victims of crime, such as trafficking, abuse, or sexual assault. She is also an educator and speaks regularly regarding important changes in U.S. immigration law and policy, immigrant rights, and immigration-related fraud prevention. As Executive Director of Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates, she provides both direct legal services and training to local agencies and the community to educate others on immigration issues and how to best serve this vulnerable population. She does all this with obvious passion, kindness, and cultural sensitivity. Sarah has previously worked for Justice for Our Neighbors, Immigration Legal Services, the Michigan State College of Law Immigration Clinic, and volunteered with the Michigan Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.
Don Martin
Donald Martin is recognized for his advocacy in diversity, equity, and inclusion for the people of Holland. He has served many local organizations, including the City of Holland's International Relations Commission, Holland is Ready, Latin Americans United for Progress, and Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates. Donald was also part of the Migrant Mentor at Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance, and at Hope College's Step Up program. He volunteers with the Feeding America program, a mobile food pantry dedicated to ending food insecurity.
Kyler Beal, Holland High School
With a focus on widows and orphans, Kyler has been building homes, producing short films, and working to feed those in need in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. He has been involved in bringing awareness to our local community of the plight of children in Guatemala. While in high school he served as a Young Life leader for 2 years, where he taught others there is more to a person than their appearance and background. Most recently, he engaged his high school soccer team and student peers to bring soccer balls to youth in Chichicastenango, where youth would be found playing soccer with crumpled paper or other materials for soccer balls. He has shown that regardless of his age or the age of his peers, the youth in the community can make a difference. In Guatemala, Kyler, has helped serve over 5,000 meals a month . Kyler is journaling his experience in Chicicastenango on his log https://kylerguatemala.wordpress.com/.
2014
Ralph Kickert, Lifetime Achievement Award
Since 1970, Ralph Kickert has championed the cause of social justice and community corrections with emphasis on racial equality. Mr. Kickert, started several organizations and served in many leadership roles including, Good Samaritan Ministries, Community Action House, Holland 58th District Court, 70x7, Jubilee Ministries, Ottagon Alcohol Rehabilitation, and the Holland Area Coordinating Council. He has built relationships with local individuals, churches, and agencies to serve the poor and marginalized. He has also served on the Human Relations Commission.
Roberto Jara, Destination Education, Education
Rick Mannes, Lakeshore Lifeworks, Employment
Jeannette Brownson, Brownson Properties, Housing
“In the Community” published by the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmon, Government/Community Relations
Jacey de Blecourt, Youth Social Justice Award
2013
14th Street Church for their S.T.E.P. (Students and Teachers for Educational Progress) Program
Education
This program provides afterschool tutoring to children focused on fostering student success. Director, Bob Doan along with retired educators and college students provide the tutoring services.
Andy and Carin Ribbens
Employment
For demonstrating their commitment to employment of those with felony convictions. By providing full-time employment opportunities and full benefit packages to this group of workers , they provide hope and improve their opportunity for rehabilitation.
Pancakes R Us
Government/Community Relations
Pancakes R Us has filled a gap in the community. Three years ago a group of members in the community learned that there was a need in the community to serve economically disadvantaged citizens on Saturdays. Today, Pancakes R Us serves over 200 residents each Saturday.
Albert Serrano
Lifetime Achievement Award
Mr. Alberto Serrano, retired Human Relations Coordinator was recognized for his service to the City of Holland as the Human Relations Coordinator. He served the City of Holland for 27 years in a variety of roles. Previously he has served as a case worker at Community Action House focusing on emergency housing assistance, first time home-buyer assistance and tenant, landlord disputes. He also served as the executive director of the El Centro Hispanic Counseling Center. Serrano was instrumental in the development of Mediation Services. In retirement, Mr. Serrano continues to touch many organizations throughout our community.
Grace Elizabeth, Sunny Katherine, and Babs Leigh Hough founders of “You are Home,”
Youth Social Justice Award
This afterschool organization helps English as Second Language (ESL) and English Language Learner (ELL) students with transition to life in the United States. Having lived in Turkey four years, the girls understand the educational challenges faced when there is a language barrier. As a result of this experience, the Hough sisters have made it their mission to ensure ESL and ELL students overcome the difficult task of learning with a language barrier. This student organization meets once every other week. Over a dozen students come to seek homework and language assistance in a safe, comfortable, judgment-free environment.
2012
Tracy Hoesch, Housing
Chanda Miller, Education
Bill Freeman, Government/Community Relations
Ethan King, Youth Social Justice Award
2011
Ready for School, Education
City of Holland Our Street and Neighborhood Liaison Programs, Housing
Holland is Ready, Government/Community Relations
Erin Wilson, Government/Community Relations
Briahnna "Brie" Borgoetz, Youth Social Service Award
Timmy Kim, Youth Social service Award
Rebecca Arenas, Distinguished Community Service
2010
Holland Public Schools VR Tech School, Education
Christ Memorial Church, Open Arms Ministry & Escape Program, Employment
Justice for Our Neighbors, Government/Community Relations
Community Action House, Foreclosure Prevention Program
Christ Memorial Church, Melton, Youth Social Justice Award
2009
Jonathan & Jeanette Brownson, Government/Community Relations
Frank Coronado, Community Relations
Chris Hoffland, Community Relations
Alan McGeehan, Government/Community Relations
Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance: Migrant Mentoring Program, Government/Community Relations
Heath Sakwam, Community Relations
2008
Kids Hope USA, Education
70x7 Life Recovery Temporary Recovery Program, Employment
Robyn Afrik, Government/Community Relations
Nancy Haynes, Housing
Fred Johnson, Government/Community Relations
Alan McGeehan, Government/Community Relations
Amanda Witte, Youth Social Services Award
2007
Wayne & Ruth Coleman, Education
Holland Area Chamber of Commerce, Employment
James W. F. Brooks, Government/Community Relations
Ottawa Area Housing Coalition, Housing
Holland High School's American Sign Language Club, Youth Social Services Award
2006
Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony, Education
City of Holland Fire Department, Employment
Celestino Tino Reyes, Government/Community Relations
Jubilee Ministries, Housing
Dominique Maria Vargas, Youth Social Services Award
2005
Mercy Soriano, Education
Lakeshore Center for Independent Living, Employment
Rev. Andres S. Fierro, Government/Community Relations
Ottawa Area Housing Coalition, Housing
2004
Diane Talo, Education
Louis Padnos Iron & Metal Co, Employment
LEDA Ottawa Area Summit on Racisn, Government/Community Relations
Jubilee Ministries, Housing
Nicole Mulder, Youth Social Services Award
2003
Holland Public Schools' English as a Second Language, Education
Clyde Robinson, Employment
Lupita Reyes, Government/Community Relations
HOMECOR, Housing
2002
Community School Nursing Program, Education
Life Services Systems, Government/Community Relations
Sister Pat Lamb, Housing
2001
Elizabeth Loebl Colburn, Education
City of Holland Police Department, Employment
Holland Victim Services Unit, Government/Community Relations
Ted Bosgraaf, Housing
2000
Holland Public West Middle School, Education
Johnson Controls, Inc., Employment
Holland Museum, Government/Community Relations
Good Samaritan Ministries, Housing
1999
Holland Public Washington School Elementary, Education
Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance, Government/Community Relations
Community Action House, Housing
1998
Hope College Upward Bound Program, Education
Kandu Industries, Inc., Employment
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holland, Government/Community Relations
Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity, Housing