Enabling the potential of people with developmental disabilities, enriching our communities
Annie Mitchell— 2024 Goldman Award Winner!
What is the Goldman Award?
The Goldman Award is the highest honor conferred by NHR. It is presented to a person within NHR in memory of Israel Goldman. Mr. Goldman was a loving husband, stalwart yet gentle advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a man loved for his active and personal interest in others, a person who taught everyone around him that a successful life is defined more by who you are than what you have done, and a participant in New Horizon’s services.
The Goldman Award honors an individual in the NHR family who has exhibited extraordinarily unselfish, principled and mission-driven behavior. Some examples are: demonstrating heroic intervention in difficult circumstances, protecting life, advancing human rights in a notable way, achieving accomplishments in the field that enhance services and supports, trail blazing worthwhile innovative services and lifestyles, and providing substantial and exceptional positive influence on the lives of others.
Annie's nomination for the Goldman Award reads as follows :
We are nominating Annmarie “Annie” Mitchell for the 2024 Goldman award to honor the memory of Israel Goldman. The mission of NHR is to enable people with developmental disabilities to achieve fulfilling lives within their local communities by establishing a home, belonging, self-determination, learning, productivity and individual respect. Annie personifies that mission every day.
at the Goldman Award presentation on 12/19/24Annie has worked at NHR since 2007 and currently is the Residential Coordinator at Canal Path IRA. When you walk into Canal Path, the environment is so welcoming. It is the home of 11 individuals of various ages and various diagnoses, and various supervision levels. Even though it can appear chaotic at times, the stress is not evident. There is a calmness by staff supporting the individuals and it is a home where people can be themselves without worry. This reflects Annie’s leadership. She greets everyone with a smile, engages with those we support and their support staff, with her sense of humor always present, no matter what the day has been like. Annie can be found on any given day working side by side with staff. She leads in a residence, where every individual is seen and heard. The folks who live at Canal Path are happy. We use terms like person centered thinking and community engagement, yet Annie puts them into practice with the folks who live there. They are not just talking points. When talking with Annie about individuals and activities, instead of talking about why she can’t do it, she will talk about how to make it happen, giving people every opportunity to enjoy activities that they want to do, not what they have to do.
Annie works to show those she supports respect, daily. She uses her leadership and advocacy to support all people to help build positive relationships all around. Whether it be the individuals she serves, the staff she supports, people in the community, or administrative staff, Annie is always encouraging positive relationships between all. Annie has a way of truly making people feel heard and genuinely wants to do things for the right reasons.
Beyond Canal Path, Annie has also helped in other residences, when the need arose. She was right there when asked to be, at both Mt. View and Jansen – to support those residents and staff through times of transition, or just when some extra support was needed, and does so with grace and a smile on her face. Annie defines the term team player and leads through example. The care, love, and desire to help is clear the very first time you meet Annie Mitchell. Don’t take our word for it, ask the people who work and live at Canal Path, Mountainview, Jansen and you will hear what we hear and more. No one is more deserving of this honor.
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