Hamilton Center Inc. hosted its annual Hamilton Awards dinner on October 22 at the Sycamore Banquet Center on the campus of Indiana State University. Over 300 staff, community partners, and referring organizations enjoyed dinner and celebration of Hamilton Award nominees. The theme for the event, “Everyone, Everywhere” suggests several ideas, all rooted in the immense responsibility Hamilton Center has to deliver the highest quality of healthcare services to a very diverse and widespread population in central and west central Indiana. Very few things in life affect us all.
“Everyone, Everywhere” deserves health services that are accessible, timely, cost effective and of the highest quality. Hamilton Center strives to provide integrated healthcare that is person centered and meets people where they are,” stated Margie Anshutz, Chief Development Officer.
Hamilton Awards were also presented. Named in her honor, Katherine Hamilton fought for the inclusion, acceptance, and support of those struggling with mental illness in the early 1960s. She emphasized the importance of community in her life’s work. In this spirit, Hamilton Center awards were created to recognize individuals and organizations who have significantly contributed to the cause of mental health and addiction while furthering the mission of Hamilton Center, Inc. in the community.
All nominees were recognized, and winners were:
Volunteer winner, Rebecca Johnson: Rebecca is all about “paying it forward”. She has used her past life experiences to assist others struggling with addiction and working towards recovery. She was a past participant in the Parke County Drug Court. Since her graduation from the program, she has been dedicated to assisting others on their recovery journey. She leads the Celebrate Recovery meetings in Parke County two night a week and serves as a mentor and support to many. She sponsors several people going through the program showing up at court with enthusiasm, support and compassion.
Community winner, John Plasse, (given posthumously): A former Vigo County Sheriff, Plasse spent over 33 years in Vigo County law enforcement as a Police Chief and later as Sheriff. He also spent equally as long serving our country, retiring as a sergeant major with the 38th Infantry Division in the Indiana Army National Guard. Sheriff Plasse was a true community servant, devoting his time to numerous organizations including the Board of Directors at Hamilton Center. In the words of his nominator, John Plasse was a great leader, worked with integrity and was always focused on the goal of bettering others and protecting the public.
Youth winner, Bring Change to Mind (North Vigo High School): This organization empowers students to advocate for mental health awareness to help create a more empathetic and stigma free school environment. Bring Change to Mind is an evidenced based student led club available to all students. Terre Haute North’s club encourages youth to take a proactive approach to mental health and self-care while equipping club members as emerging peer advocates with the tools and skills to create real change in their communities. Representing the Club were Amanda Higgins, Valeri Kershaw, and several Club officers.
Staff winner, William Kennedy (Peer Recovery Specialist): Kennedy has only been at Hamilton Center since June of this year but has already made a tremendous impact on so many lives. He is always the first person to offer help, no matter the situation taking his job very serious and understanding the importance of the work. He finds positive light in some of the darkest situations and treats all consumers with dignity, respect and compassion. He works tirelessly to facilitate services and find placement for those struggling with addiction issues and uses his own past experiences to connect on a deeper level with the consumers he serves.
Frank W. Jerse award, Dennis Weber: This award is presented annually to a community member who is a veteran or advanced the educational system in central and west central Indiana. Dr. Jerse, for whom this award is named, served his country during World War II and received a purple heart. Upon returning from war, he received a doctorate in psychology and dedicated a significant portion of his career furthering post-secondary education at Indiana State University. He also played a vital role in the development of Hamilton Center Inc. Weber is a retired mathematics teacher and football coach. Weber is a resident of Clinton, IN and a graduate of Indiana State University. He spent close to 40 years teaching mathematics at the high school level and coached football at North Vermillion, South Vermillion, and Terre Haute South Vigo. He is a role model to students and athletes; Many students looked up to him and he always wanted students to achieve both on the field and off.
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