Exec Dir Ahler Wins Jefferson: "Nobel Prize for Public Service"
REST Executive Director Kathleen J. Ahler, is receiving recognition for her seventeen years of dedication to improving the lives of people striving to overcome homelessness on the north side of Chicago. Kathy Ahler is running REST, a comprehensive homeless services agency, as well as tirelessly volunteering for grassroots associations in her spare time.
Founded in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Sen. Robert Taft Jr. and Sam Beard, The Jefferson Awards were established to create a Nobel Prize for Public Service both locally and nationally. (Past national winners include: Jimmy Carter, Sandra Day O’Connor, Oprah Winfrey and Mayor Daley.) The Jefferson Awards are sponsored through Chicago area media partner NBC Channel 5. Dr. Sandy Goldberg, NBC 5's Health Correspondent made the presentation.
According to REST Board President Mike O’Hara, “We’re thrilled that Kathy’s significant contribution is being honored. Under her leadership REST has grown from a neighborhood community shelter organization to a professional homeless services agency that provides shelter, a temporary and permanent housing program, social services, life skills classes, a free medical clinic and clothing.”
“I’m committed to promoting understanding between the local community while continuing to provide and develop quality programs to improve the lives of homeless men and women, especially as the need becomes dire” says Kathy Ahler. She has brought her compassion and expertise to bear as a board member and President of the Organization of the NorthEast and as a founding member of its Homeless Committee. Kathy also volunteered on the board of The Partnership to End Homelessness for over five years, served for four years as an appointed member of the Homeless Issues Committee of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations and is one of the founders of the Concerned Providers, a group of homeless service agencies voicing their concerns about the implementation of Chicago’s “Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness.” Kathy Ahler walks the walk everyday and leads and inspires others to do the same with a human touch.
Posted: June 11, 2009
