Open Call for Nominations to Honor Individuals Committed to Serving Others

 

2018 Jenco Award Nominations Due May 31

Nelsonville, OH – Do you know someone in your community who goes above and beyond to improve the lives of others? Is there a visionary leader in your community you want to recognize? The Jenco Awards were created to honor these individuals, the people who work passionately in the service of others in Appalachian Ohio.

To honor those making a difference across our region day in and day out, the Jenco Foundation Fund is seeking nominations for the 2018 Jenco Awards. The Jenco Awards, which began in 2002 to honor the legacy of Father Lawrence Martin Jenco, are cash awards for individuals in Appalachian Ohio who have performed visionary leadership in the service of others in the region. Nominations are invited from the public and must be postmarked or emailed by Thursday, May 31, 2018. Nomination forms and additional information about the Jenco Awards are available at www.AppalachianOhio.org/Jenco.

Founded in 2001 by journalist Terry Anderson, the Jenco Foundation honors Father Lawrence Martin Jenco. A Catholic priest who was kidnapped in Beirut, Lebanon while serving as director of Catholic Relief Services, Father Jenco was an inspiration to many, including fellow captive Anderson, because of his compassion and service to others.

The Jenco Foundation joined the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) in 2011 as an endowment to ensure that Father Jenco’s legacy and the mission of the Fund live on forever. Today, the Jenco Foundation Fund Committee and FAO work together to celebrate Father Jenco’s legacy by recognizing unsung heroes throughout Appalachian Ohio.

“The Jenco Awards exist to recognize the individuals who work so hard day in and day out to improve our communities,” said Jack Wright, a member of the Jenco Foundation Fund committee. “Our goal is to shine a light on individuals with awards to draw attention to the incredible work these often unnoticed leaders are doing throughout our region.”

The Jenco Award recognizes individuals for their service contributions. Their service demonstrates direct, caring action that contributes to the quality of life of individuals living in Appalachian Ohio. Jenco Awardees are celebrated for visionary leadership in the service of others. Their commitment to others is not simply a part of their daily jobs; it is a passion.

Last year’s recipients provide an example of the visionary leadership in the service of others that the Jenco Award recognizes, as well as the breadth of areas potential awardees represent:

Jared “Jed” Butcher of Athens County was recognized for his efforts to start the Trimble PridePack program at Trimble Elementary School, part of the Trimble Local School District. Trimble PridePack provides weekend meals for students to ensure they have access to food over the weekend.

Vicki Laudick Casey of Coshocton County was inspired by her own life experiences to work and advocate for, as well as support and encourage, individuals experiencing domestic violence. Her work led to the creation of First Step Family Violence Intervention Services. In addition to 24/7 emergency shelter services, Vicki and First Step serve all victims of domestic violence, including children and pets, while also providing the continued services and support to help them transition to a new life.

Jerry and Tammy Foster of Athens County wanted to give back to their local community and are able to do so through their service to the Shade Community Center Association and the Shade Community Center. In their volunteer roles, they have led fundraising events including the annual Jerseyville Festival activities and the annual Valentine’s Day Dinner. While Jerry Foster helped with a great deal of physical improvements, Tammy Foster led the way on programming for the youngest residents of Shade, developing a summer program for students as well as a week-long literacy program.

Mitchell “Mick” Schumacher of Monroe County was recognized for his dedication to the Monroe County community through countless acts of service, including the preservation of the community’s history; supporting those experiencing the effects of Alzheimer’s, suicide, and opiate addiction; and highlighting what Monroe County has to offer through community events.

Pamela Trimmer of Tuscarawas County was recognized for going above and beyond in her work through Personal and Family Counseling Services to serve the residents of Tuscarawas and Carroll counties, particularly those dealing with mental health, addiction, and domestic violence issues.

The late Don McKendry of Muskingum County was recognized with an honorary Jenco Award for his tireless efforts to bring the John and Annie Glenn Museum into being in New Concord to highlight the Glenns’ legacy while also sharing what life during the Great Depression and World War II looked like in Appalachian Ohio.

As in years past, nominations are encouraged across areas essential to quality of life, including arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. To watch videos showcasing the stories of past Jenco Award recipients, visit the Jenco Foundation Fund’s webpage at www.AppalachianOhio.org/Jenco.

For more information on the Jenco Foundation Fund, the Jenco Award, and how to nominate someone, please visit www.AppalachianOhio.org/Jenco or call 740.753.1111. Gifts to the Jenco Foundation Fund are tax deductible and can be made in a number of ways, including cash, gifts in wills, and life insurance. To make your donation, please designate the Jenco Foundation Fund and mail to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, PO Box 456, Nelsonville, OH 45764. Donations can also be made online by visiting our online giving page and selecting the Jenco Foundation Fund when making a donation.

About the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) is a regional community foundation serving the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. A 501(c)(3) public charity, the Foundation creates opportunities for Appalachian Ohio’s citizens and communities by inspiring and supporting philanthropy. For more information about FAO, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org.

 

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