The Larry Schott Humanitarian Award was established by Gene and Dianne Ravizza to honor a Hope client/family member, volunteer, or staff who embodies Larry’s traits of treating others with gentleness, respect, and fairness. Dianne was Larry’s sister and a Hope Services board member. She introduced Larry to Hope Services, and he became a trustee and supporter of Hope Services and other non-profits. Hope Services is proud of both of our award winners!

2018 Recipient: Amy Colendich

Amy is a vibrant, animal-loving, generous-hearted 29-year-old woman. She’s been a Hope client in Santa Cruz since 2012. In recent years our EMCC program has opened up opportunities for Amy to explore and expand upon her talents, interests, and skills. Amy has been diligently working at HopeTHRIFT in Watsonville, creating pieces in her much-loved knitting class, and developing her photography and videography. She volunteers at Santa Cruz Public Libraries, the SPCA, Wilder Ranch, and the Homeless Garden Project. She has also read to preschoolers at Calvary Preschool. Amy enjoys volunteering and being a part of the community.

2017 Recipient: John Mark Robinson

John is a gentle man who has worked at Hope for two years as our first peer counselor. He’s been involved in the disabled community for many years as an advocate and teacher of independent living skills. John works closely with the counseling center’s outreach program. He describes himself as a “friend,” but he’s much more. John provides individual support and mentoring to clients who need a listener, but not necessarily formal counseling. He has represented Hope at the second annual African American Conference and Resource Fair at San Andreas Regional Center. John will be co-leading the October client leadership training, an innovative Hope program designed to teach self-advocacy skills. It also helps to prepare people to work on boards and community advisory groups. 

In his free time John serves as a deacon at his church, making it welcoming and comfortable for members and guests. He co-leads the Celebrate Recovery Program, which helps people with “hurts, habits and co-dependent relationships.” He’s also a team leader at the “Kids Club” program. John studied Public Administration at San Jose State University and East Bay State University, earning a BA and a master’s. John believes that his study of psychology makes him well-prepared to support Hope clients. 

Congratulations to Amy and John!