The event celebrated several winners who have gone above and beyond in their support for the IDD community. Each honoree has made significant contributions, demonstrating unwavering commitment and passion. This year, KenCrest had 12 Community Champion winners and 14 honorable mentions who have all gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Here are our honorable mentions:

Maureen McGill

At the end of 2023, KenCrest lost a key employee who was deeply involved in government benefits enrollment. Maureen works for the Social Security Administration and lent her expertise to the client benefit department. Without her guidance, many individuals would have lost or received reduced benefits.

Arlington Heritage Group

Since early 2010, Arlington Heritage Group has helped KenCrest establish a Special Needs Pooled Trust and Burial Trust. These trusts protect individuals receiving government benefits and allow them to save for the future.

TriCounty Active Adult Center

An individual supported by KenCrest volunteers at TriCounty Active Adult Center, where the organization has fostered her excellent work ethic and created a positive environment.

Claire Robertson-Kraft

Claire Robertson-Kraft, founder and executive director of Impact Ed, has coached KenCrest’s team on change management for the past three years. Her focus on the human aspect of change has been instrumental.

Charlie Horn

Charlie Horn has supported KenCrest for over two decades, providing invaluable leadership and guidance. His unwavering commitment to our mission and the people we serve is truly inspiring.

Edward Fernando

In 2018, Edward, a martial arts self-defense teacher at Action Karate, began participating in parent meetings at KenCrest’s Early Learning Center. He visits twice a year to bring donations and supports our Family Fund each December.

Representative Joe Ciresi

Representative Joe Ciresi recently visited KenCrest’s SMART Home and has been actively discussing with legislators and state officials the need to remove the current Assistive Technology (AT) Lifetime funding cap.

Representative Joseph Hohenstein

Representative Joseph Hohenstein, who has lived with moderate hearing loss since childhood, advocates for people with disabilities. He has introduced legislation on several topics impacting individuals with disabilities.

Jim Andrews

Jim Andrews, a new board member, has made a significant impact in just one year. He led his company, Crumdale Partners, in a coat drive benefiting KenCrest’s Early Learning Center families.

Margie Shinholster

Margie Shinholster worked with an individual at a day program who was having difficulties with her previous one-to-one staff. Since Margie began working with her, she has thrived.

Open Door Ministry

Open Door Ministry, with its two thrift stores and food pantry, has partnered with KenCrest for over a decade. They help deliver weekly food items to people in need, teaching valuable life skills to KenCrest volunteers.

Representative Regina Young

Representative Regina Young, a member of the Appropriations Committee, has shown a strong commitment to early education issues. She supports universal pre-k, teachers, and providing resources for students.

St. Joseph’s University’s Faith-Justice Institute

Students from St. Joseph’s University’s Faith-Justice Institute have been dedicated to KenCrest’s Medically Fragile Children in the Intermediate Care Facility Homes. They assist children in practicing motor skills, playing, and reading books.

Thank you to our winners and honorable mentions for joining the KenCrest family to celebrate the 2024 Community Champions Awards! Community Champions is our way of giving thanks to the individuals, organizations, and community partners who go above and beyond to support KenCrest's vital work. This year, we were honored to recognize 12 Community Champions and 14 Honorable Mentions. It truly takes an entire community to bring KenCrest's mission to life, and these Champions are leading the way!