Molina Healthcare of Illinois Awards its 2017 Community Champions
09/19/2017
SPRINGFIELD – Molina Healthcare of Illinois (Molina) recognized and honored six unsung heroes across the state through its 2017 Community Champions Awards dinner which took place September 9, 2017 in Springfield.
The Community Champions Awards program was created in 2006 to honor individuals who work in our communities and inspire others through their selflessness, extraordinary service and contributions. The Illinois health plan has held a yearly Community Champions Awards program since 2014. Each award winner received a trophy and a $1,000 grant to designate to a nonprofit organization of his or her choice.
The 2017 Community Champions in lllinois are:
Zennie Herrington from Collinsville
Zennie is 91 years old and has been volunteering for more than 70 years. Zennie has volunteered with Meals on Wheels and Cahokia Mounds, a non-profit organization managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Zennie has made dresses for children, dog beds for local dog shelters and lap robes and clothing protectors for local nursing home residents.
Bob Spears from Knoxville
Bob serves as the director of a small veteran’s home in Galesburg. Bob volunteers at the location and travels throughout Central Illinois to receive and obtain donations to support veterans. Bob has worked to upgrade the facility by personally building a wheelchair ramp for easier access. Bob also organized a prom dress donation for girls in need in his area.
Anne Smith from Tallulah
Anne is the executive director of the Menard County Housing Authority. She volunteers approximately 765 hours each year with a variety of programs in Menard County, including the Menard County Back to School Program, the Menard County Angel Tree Program, and the Give and Take Shop.
Dale Cain
Dale is a co-founder of Advocates for Community Wellness, a non-profit faith-based health promotion and nutrition education group. In addition to providing health and wellness presentations at a variety of community locations on the west side of Chicago, Dale also raised $46,000 for Courage to Love Collaborative an organization to help address infant mortality in Auburn Gresham neighborhood.
Ronald Daugherty from Chicago
Ronald is a pastor at New Beginnings Full Gospel Church in Chicago. Outside of his work as a pastor, he volunteers with the IMPACT Family Center, an organization that helps teach young adults, Better Man than Me, a non-profit organization that works with young men, and Youth Unshackled Ministries. Ronald works in his community and volunteers with Inspirations Café to provide restaurant-style meals for the homeless.
Tammy Iskarous from Wood River
Tammy founded Riverbend Family Ministries which helps provide free trauma counseling for children who have been abused. The organization provides substance use treatment, housing, medical help, rental assistance and crisis support. Tammy volunteers more than 3,500 hours a year.