Our North Country Mission of Hope leaders are in the news! Read below about 3 women who are receiving awards honoring their dedication and service.
Sr. Debbie Blow, Executive Director, O.P.
Sr. Debbie Blow, a member of the Dominican Sisters of Hope and the Executive Director of the North Country Mission of Hope will be awarded the Ruby Award from the Soroptimist International of the Adirondacks organization. Two members of the group, Sharon Conrick and Nancy Vonic were honored to nominate Sister Deborah Blow for this award.
The award is based on the fact that the North Country Mission of Hope projects parallel objectives regarding the empowerment of women- seen here connecting rural New York State people with the poorest of the poor in Nicaragua. Sr. Debbie’s leadership has been documented in film and in national media. Moreover, she has been acclaimed for keeping a fiscal budget reflecting minimum expenses for administrative costs and the major funding going directly to the Nicaraguan projects and to the poor that the Mission serves.
Soroptomist International of the Adirondacks is an organization for business and professional women who volunteer in local communities. The local chapter, covering Warren, Washington and Northern Saratoga New York counties is part of an international organization of nearly 40,000 women in 19 countries and territories. Members contribute time and financial support to community- based and international projects benefitting women and children.
The Award Dinner will begin at 5:30 pm on October 3 at the Georgian Lakeside Restor in Lake George. Tickets are $30 pp. Please contact please Contact Kate Hirsch at 518‐793-5924 or kate_hirsch@ roadrunner.com. to RSVP. The event is open to the public.
Bonnie Black, North Country Mission of Hope President
On Thursday the 22nd of September, Bonnie Black, MoH president, will be one of the recipients of the Girls Scouts of Northeastern NY Women of Distinction Award. As a ‘Distinguished Community Leader’, Bonnie is receiving this award for her endeavors as a volunteer with the Mission of Hope, the Rotary Club, and Behavioral Health Service North.
“Women of Distinction is a nationwide Girl Scouts of the USA program that recognizes the achievement of women. As Girls Scouts of Northeastern NY educates girls to be future community leaders, they recognize the community leaders of today. Honorees are awarded for their strength of character, dedicated community service, emphasis on life-long learning, along with their dedication to fostering self-confidence and leadership skills in others.”
Joy Leader
Joy is receiving the 2011 Legacy award from the CARITAS organization. She will receive her award on October 16, 2011 at the Annual CARITAS dinner to be held at the Grand View Restaurant, State Highway 37 in Ogdensburg, NY.
“We are so proud of Joy. Ever since she was a very little girl she has had a servant’s heart. We have a “poor jar” where Joy would put every penny she earned or received as birthday money since she could walk.
She still witnesses and advocates for the less fortunate at school and in our parish and especially now in her desire to help those in Nicaragua through the North Country Mission of Hope.” says her father Henry.