Holland Human Relations Commission honors local advocates and groups with Social Justice Awards

The Holland Human Relations Commission presented its annual Social Justice Awards on Jan. 15, recognizing students and local organizations for work on accessibility, mental-health services, neighborhood organizing and emergency-response education.

At the start of the event a staff representative described the commission’s mission as promoting “diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in housing, education, employment, and public service,” and said a volunteer committee reviewed more than 50 nominations before selecting winners in several categories.

Yasileno Ochoa, chair of the Holland Youth Advisory Council, presented the Youth Social Justice Award to Karina Martinez for tutoring bilingual students and helping immigrants prepare for citizenship. Ochoa said the recipient “truly exemplifies what it means to be a social advocate for change.”

Abby Klomparnes presented the government relations award to the Ottawa County Community Action Agency (OCA), highlighting services that include food assistance for seniors, utility support, weatherization and emergency home repair. A representative identified in the transcript as Jennifer accepted the award and thanked staff and community partners, saying the work is “what this award represents.”

Catherine Ristelabas presented a health award to Heart Safe Holland for its community-wide CPR and AED training and its use of PulsePoint apps to alert trained citizens. The presenter said that in 2023 the program trained about 15% of Holland’s population — roughly 4,300 people — and that the city became the fifth community nationally to receive a Heart Safe Communities designation. Steve Stegman, accepting on behalf of the group, described renewed certification and a continuing goal to sustain the 15% training target.

Tori Ferian presented an award recognizing work for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students to Chase Magsig, noting his role teaching American Sign Language, mentoring students and offering free community ASL classes. Magsig accepted and described the work as a community effort that relies on family and local supports.

Other awardees included Brothers and Sisters Homes (abilities category), 3 60 (community relations) and MOSAIC Counseling (education). James Grandes accepted on behalf of Brothers and Sisters Homes and described five residential homes that support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Lori Appledorn accepted for 3 60 and highlighted neighborhood initiatives such as the Tulip City Walls mural festival and a tool library. Jeff Minkus presented the education award to MOSAIC Counseling, which was recognized for embedding counselors in school settings and training adults and teens in suicide prevention.

Janet Heizer introduced a lifetime achievement award to Kaye Wolvert for efforts to expand inclusion in Holland Symphony programming; Wolvert accepted and recounted efforts to broaden repertoire and community engagement.

Event staff closed the awards portion with a request that recipients and guests move upstairs for photos; the city council meeting then began in council chambers.

Why it matters: the awards highlight volunteer and nonprofit efforts that expand access to lifesaving training, mental-health care, neighborhood resources and inclusion for students and residents with disabilities. The recognitions also point to cross-sector partnerships between the city, schools and local nonprofits that city officials and awardees emphasized during remarks.

The Human Relations Commission invited attendees to participate in community learning opportunities tied to the awards and to mark Martin Luther King Jr. observances in January.