Richard Vought Award for 2010: Deadline April 1, 2010
Richard Sidney Vought, whose gift of $40,000 was awarded to the Coalition by his trustors, Bob and Gloria Martin, allowed the Coalition to purchase more than 2,000 room nights in motels for homeless families and medically needy homeless. The Coalition has established an annual award in his name, which will recognize the outstanding contributions toward ending homelessness of an individual from the community each year.
2007 recipients of the Richard Vought Award:
Bob and Gloria Martin
2008 recipient of the Richard Vought Award:
Z "Salty" Leatherwood
2009 recipients of the Richard Vought Award:
Dr. Robert "Bob" Williams
Bob is a member of the Chamber's Homeless Issues Committee.
Jim Cameron says, "In a day and age when business people are to occupied too address difficult issues in the community, Bob is a FAITHFUL committee member. Bob was the committee's driving force in preparing the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness. This plan was somewhat controversial and met with a degree of resistance in the community. When needed, Bob was called in to explain the plan to sometimes hostile audiences. Each time, he did a superb job. He even made me feel better about the plan too! Maybe not today, but later on, Bob's efforts will have been worth it. Because of Bob's stature in the community, he has given credibility that it's OK to be in the business community and still support addressing the needs of the homeless.
Andy Kelly
Andy is not being honored here as Councilman Kelly. No, he was committed to the Homeless long before he became a councilman. Andy visits the homeless camps several days a week. He brings them personal hygiene products, coats, hand warmers, water and food. He has been known to take homeless to the hospital. He just does not just drop them off, he stays with them He is on a first name basis with the Emergency Room doctor in Deland. Andy provides haircuts to the homeless. He pulls up his truck , takes out his computer and applies for Food Stamps and Social Security Cards. Andy is supported by his wife, Missy and children in his efforts. Often, they accompany him. Andy is a true inspiration and hero to the homeless.
June Hiester Award for 2010 deadline April 1, 2010
June Hiester made a choice to simplify her own needs, and lived frugally. As a result, she was able to bequeath an estate to the Coalition and other social service agencies in Volusia County.
The Coalition has established an annual award in her name, which will recognize corporations or companies whose generosity helps to end homelessness in Volusia and Flagler Counties.
2007 recipients of the June Hiester Award:
Chuck Bray and Joe Gillespie of Ocean Waters Management.
2008 recipient of the June Hiester Award:
Bo Brewer, The People Business, Inc.
2009 recipients of the June Heister Award:
Jim Cameron, Halifax-Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce
Jim was instrumental in supporting the creation and opening of the Homeless Assistance Center and continuous support. Jim is in supporting the creation and opening of the Homeless Assistance Center and continuous support. Jim is always willing to support the efforts of the Coalition. Each year he participates in the Point-in-time Survey by going to the day labor halls and this year visiting camps in evening and early morning hours.The Daytona Beach Chamber has played a key role in encouraging other leaders and cities to support the homeless Coalition financially and providing resources for the homeless needs.Without the leadership of the Daytona Beach Chamber, the City of Daytona Beach would have been less supportive of the idea of a "One-Stop" center for the homeless.
Linda Brown, Agape Club House, 1st United Methodist Church, Deland
In 2002, in cooperation with Pastor Owen Stricklin of the First United Methodist Church of Deland Linda Brown created the Agape Clubhouse. The Agape Clubhouse is a day program for the homeless. This program includes yet is not limited to the following:
- Breakfast and lunch cooked and served by the homeless
- Shower and laundry available
- Professional and individual and group counseling
- Art therapy classes
- Assistance obtaining identification cards, birth certificates etc.
- Assistance for individuals to receive specialized professional help with addictions or mental health issues
- Participants in this program are required to complete chores at the clubhouse.
- This program operates 6 1/2 hours a day, 5 days a week and is funded by donations and local grants. Linda does this work without financial compensation.
Linda Brown was the key contact for Lindsey Roberts, VFCCH, to begin the West Volusia West Side Taskforce, which was and still is responsible to work on behalf of the homeless to secure shelter and services in the community.
Linda Brown saw a need to raise funds for the West side to have seed money available when a shelter program was developed. She recruited a couple of fellow volunteers and began fundraising events such as the battle of the bands, concerts etc.
Linda has been a key participant in discussions with city officials concerning homelessness in Deland and West Volusia.
Linda is a 2 term member of the Board of Directors of the Volusia /Flagler Coalition for the Homeless.
