Leon Gorman honored as Volunteer of the Year

Leon Gorman of Yarmouth was presented with the Volunteer of the Year Award by Preble Street at their annual meeting on June 15.

Gorman was honored for his years of service at the Preble Street Breakfast Soup Kitchen as well as his sound council to the Preble Street leadership team.

“Leon’s compassion, experience, and commitment to serving others are an inspiration to all who work with him," said  Joel Reed, soup kitchen manager.

In accepting the award, Gorman said, “I consider this award as prestigious as any I’ve ever received,” adding that he was honored to be part of Preble Street.

Other 2009 awards announced were the Community Partners Award, presented jointly to Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Cumberland County; Bob Rowe, executive director of New Beginnings in Lewiston; and Carol Whitney, executive director of Shaw House in Bangor for their leadership and support for LD 1127, “An Act to Define Services for Maine Runaway and Homeless Youth.” According to Whitney, “this is the most satisfying award of my career.”

LD 1127 is the first piece of legislation that Senator Alfond has sponsored as a state senator, prompting Gov. John Baldacci to comment, “This is a remarkable piece of legislation for a new legislator.” The legislation formally recognizes homeless youth as a distinct population in need of services that are based on the most up-to-date interventions and best practices in the field.

John Marshall, creative director of WPXT and WPME, was honored with the Force for Good award for his work to help raise awareness and promote advocacy for ending homelessness for women in Maine. Marshall wrote, developed and produced a series of public service announcements airing throughout the state to spread the message that together “we can end homelessness for women in Maine” and encouraging efforts to learn more about and advocate for efforts to reduce chronic homelessness.

Donna Yellen, Community Initiatives and Advocacy Coordinator for Preble Street, was presented the Joseph D. Kreisler Community Impact Award, by former board member David Kreisler. In making the award, Kreisler, son of Preble Street founder Joe Kreisler, said the award is given each year to someone who shares Joe’s passion for human dignity and social justice, whose work has given volume to the often unheard voices in our communities and made us more responsive to our most vulnerable neighbors.

John Heald, retired paper industry executive, was recognized as Board Member of the Year for his leadership, energy and commitment to Preble Street’s mission during his tenure on the board and as a dedicated and innovative Preble Street volunteer.