The late Janet Clemmons, who was a county commissioner, “understood the challenges faced by disadvantaged families and those who serve them,” SELF said in a news release seeking nominees.
“If you know someone who has gone above and beyond to help low-income people in Butler County through volunteerism, please nominate them today,” the agency requested.
Last year’s winners were Joey and Micky Mackey of the Open Door Food Pantry.
The first-ever recipient was Clemmons herself, in 1997, who founded SELF in 1995. Its programs began in 1996.
“Butler County had a community action agency, which had closed down previously, and she wanted to fill that need, which is why she founded self,” said Rachel Sheets, the organization’s community relations coordinator.
The award will be given at SELF’s 24th Annual Celebration and Silent Auction, which will have the theme of “The 1970s: Friday Night Fever,” on May 1 (a Friday), at Receptions Conference Center in Fairfield.
Nominations are due by Feb. 10, with the required forms and instructions available at www.selfhelps.org. For more information, contact Rachel Sheets at 513-820-5010 or rsheets@selfhelps.org.
Here are some recent award recipients:
- 2019: Joey and Micky Mackey, Open Door Food Pantry;
SELF is perhaps best known for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) it operates, which helps low-income people keep their heat on in winter, and air-conditioning operating during the summer.
“We’re in the middle of our winter crisis program, which runs until March 31,” Sheets said. “In just November and December alone, we served about 600 people, so it’s been a very steady need.”
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