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2005 Awards Luncheon
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Service Award
Sister Mary Johnice Rzadkiewicz
Sister Mary Johnice Rzadkiewicz CSSF, is the founder and director of St. Adalbert's Response to Love Center. Located on the East Side of Buffalo, the center, which started out as a small soup kitchen, now utilizes 95 volunteers who help improve the lives of those who need food, jobs, clothing, medical attention and, most importantly, a person to depend on and trust. Her vision is clear - to improve the lives of people in her community and make it a safe and prosperous place to live.
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Diversity Award
Darius G. Pridgen
Darius G. Pridgen, pastor of True Bethel Baptist Church, has impacted the lives of thousands of individuals by successfully communicating with and bringing together diverse communities through his commitment, integrity and creativity. Since opening its doors, True Bethel Baptist Church has not only grown to include more than 3,000 enrolled members, but its campus now comprises a charter school, a Subway restaurant, and a book store which also contains a screen-printing business.
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Inclusion Award
Francisco M. Vasquez, Ph.D
Francisco M. Vasquez, Ph.D., is executive vice president of People, Inc., which believes in building relationships first so that you can then recognize strengths, opportunities and aspirations. His efforts are focused on enriching the lives of developmentally disabled individuals, teens from troubled or disadvantaged backgrounds and the Latino community on the Lower West Side of Buffalo. In addition, during his tenure as Executive Director of Hopevale, Inc., he instituted an affirmative action policy and reached out to African American churches, politicians and agencies to find and hire African American staff who would more accurately reflect the culture of the young women being served.
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Openness To Change Award
Arlene F. Kaukus
Arlene F. Kaukus is the president of United Way of Buffalo and Erie County and leads change within both the community and the United Way. Her uncanny ability to engage others in the possibilities she envisions has resulted in systemic changes that will improve the delivery of services to victims of domestic violence through the Family Justice Center, which was recently awarded a multi-million dollar grant. Ms. Kaukus tirelessly advocates for change that will have a tremendous impact on our community for many years to come.
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