The Hanover County Community
Services Board is excited to announce that the nomination period for the Jean C. Harris Award for Excellence is
now open. The nomination form and further information can be found at: https://www.hanovercounty.gov/675/Jean-C-Harris-Award.
Nominations are due by September 13, 2018.
In 2000, the Hanover County
Community Services Board established an annual award in the name of long time board
member, community volunteer and advocate, Jean C. Harris. The Jean
C. Harris Award for Excellence has been given annually to Hanover-based
individuals, families or groups that demonstrate outstanding contribution in the
areas of intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental health, and/or
substance use. Acknowledging that many individuals, families and groups in
Hanover are making a difference in these areas, up to three awards will be
given this year. Nominations for those contributing in these areas in a
professional capacity will be considered with clear demonstration that their
service goes above and beyond their professional duty.
Who
was Jean C. Harris and why do these awards bear her name? Jean Harris is a
shining example of a person of compassion who directed her time and energy to
helping those in need in Hanover County. She made a difference every day. A
native of Hanover whose father ran a country store, Mrs. Harris worked as a
secretary to a judge, was married to a local bank executive, and raised three
children. She was a tireless advocate for those without a voice. She noticed
those in need and tried to help in big and small ways. She was feisty and
persistent and was a founding member of the Hanover County Community Services
Board. With her first appointment in 1977, she served for nearly 20 years,
including as chairman five times. Throughout her service, she focused on promoting
the development of much needed community-based services and supports in Hanover
County and has left a lasting legacy.
Please
consider nominating those whose work today follows in Mrs. Harris’s footsteps
of advocacy and care for those in need in Hanover County. The challenges are
great and their work is invaluable.
The
awards will be presented on October 24, 2018 at a reception in the Parish Hall
of St. Paul’s Church at Hanover Courthouse where Mrs. Harris served as
Treasurer and Outreach Chairman for many years.