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WEST VALLEY CITY — Community Action Partnership of Utah paid tribute Wednesday to many who have assisted in battling poverty.
The 10th annual Action Awards ceremony was held in conjunction with the 5th Annual Conference on Poverty at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center. The partnership is an association of nine agencies working to end poverty by providing services to low-income families throughout the state.
“I think a lot of what we are trying to do here is really recognize the work the community and agencies have done for a number of years," said Paul Leggett, executive director of Community Action Partnership. "Our goal is to develop a conversation about how we can start solving our problems."
I think a lot of what we are trying to do here is really recognize the work the community and agencies have done for a number of years.
–Paul Leggett, executive director of Community Action Partnership
Several award recipients noted that their accomplishments were not solely their own and said they had many helping hands along the way.
For example, Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross — who was recognized for helping create policy for Utahns who do not receive retirement benefits as part of their jobs — said, "We don't do anything in the Legislature alone. When I accept this award, I accept it on behalf of all the people who have helped me along the way."
Other honorees said the motive behind their work was both passion and compassion.
"I really, honestly, love what I do, and that's what makes the difference. I love my job," said Kim Dieter, who was honored because of her diligent work at food pantries and her service as chairwoman of the Community Service Department at the Uintah Basin Association of Governments.
- Community Partner of the Year, Newfield Exploration
- Public Official of the Year, Weiler
- Excellence Through Community Action Urban, Myla Dutton, Community Action
- Services & Food Bank
- Excellence Through Community Action Rural, Dieter
- Earn It. Keep It. Save It. Partner of the Year, United Way 2-1-1
- Sargent Shriver Achievement Award, Longshaw
- ayne Thomas Grassroots Volunteer Award, Sergio Vazquez
- Catherine Caputo Hoskins Emerging Leader Award, Geri Gamber, Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments
The result of efforts to assist people in need is emulated by success stories like award recipient Dorthy Longshaw. Through several programs and the assistance of community members, Longshaw completed the long path of overcoming a drug addiction. Today, she said she is devoting her life to becoming a social service worker so she may share the same compassion she was given.
Keynote speaker Doug Fabrizio, KUER radio host, continued the theme of compassion and collaboration by talking about the importance of listening.
Fabrizio specifically warned about technology taking away the ability to be surprised, and said technology also takes away the ability for people to recognize needs in society.
"Listening is not easy. Life is full of distractions. Time is always precious, but when you listen at some point we are rewarded with understanding, or a story, or a moment of real grace," he said.
The 2015 Community Action Award Winners include: Community Partner of the Year, Newfield Exploration; Public Official of the Year, Weiler; Excellence Through Community Action Urban, Myla Dutton, Community Action Services & Food Bank; Excellence Through Community Action Rural, Dieter; Earn It. Keep It. Save It. Partner of the Year, United Way 2-1-1; Sargent Shriver Achievement Award, Longshaw; Jayne Thomas Grassroots Volunteer Award, Sergio Vazquez: Catherine Caputo Hoskins Emerging Leader Award, Geri Gamber, Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments.
Cassidy Hansen is currently studying both Political Science and Communications at Brigham Young University, while working as an intern at the Deseret News. Contact her at chansen@deseretnews.com
