Marie C. Johns Honored at 17th Annual Hope Awards Dinner
Left to right: Executive Director Kris Thompson, honoree Marie C. Johns, Board Development Chair Kelly Veney Brinkley, and Board President Colleen Wevodau. Photo courtesy of Don Baker
Last night, Calvary Women’s Services celebrated the achievements of women who overcome homelessness and empower each other to reach their goals during our 17th Annual Hope Awards Dinner. Proceeds from the event will go toward strengthening Calvary’s housing, health, education and employment services. Kris Thompson, Executive Director, also announced Calvary’s newest housing program, Reach Up. Thanks to generous funding from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and The Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness, Reach Up will provide housing to an additional 30 women by the end of this year.
The Hope Award is presented annually to a local leader who has shown outstanding dedication to improving the lives of women and girls. This year, Calvary was excited to honor Marie C. Johns, a prominent leader in business, civic, and government service. Throughout her career, Mrs. Johns has worked tirelessly to provide underprivileged youth with access to education and job opportunities in the technology sector.
The Hope Award was presented to Mrs. Johns by Kelly Veney Brinkley, a member of Calvary’s Board of Directors and the Chair of the Development Committee. In her keynote speech, Mrs. Johns stressed the importance of supporting those in need: “It’s not the load that weighs you down, it’s how you carry it – Calvary is the loving circle to help us carry the load.”
The incredible night also featured inspiring women who work hard to transform their lives through Calvary’s many programs. Verlette, a former resident of Calvary, shared her success story via the event’s featured video. Nicole, a current resident at Calvary, spoke about her continuing journey to overcome homelessness and achieve stability. “I’m allowing myself the chance to heal,” she said. “My goal for today is to continue to push towards obtaining a stable and balanced life… This program can work if you want it to work for you.”
Many thanks to everyone for coming and making this amazing night an unbelievable success!
If you weren’t able to attend but would still like to support women at Calvary, you can donate here.