Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett Announces Five Good Neighbor 2021 Award Winners

Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett (Good Sam Gwinnett or GSHCG), a nonprofit serving working poor and uninsured individuals in Norcross, Ga., recently announced five winners of its third annual Good Neighbor Awards this month. Four outstanding individuals and one nonprofit are being recognized for their impact on Gwinnett County during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 All winners were nominated by fellow Gwinnett County neighbors based on the following criteria: 

• A person or organization that is known for their cheerful giving of time, talent and/or treasure in Gwinnett during the COVID-19 pandemic, 
• Demonstrates a consistent positive impact on the community, 
• Embodies servant leadership qualities, 
• Serves as a role model for others, and  
• Is concerned for and promotes the welfare of the community.  

Read more about the 2021 winners below.

Jill Edwards

Jill Edwards sits on six boards and is the incoming chair of the Gwinnett Chamber. In addition to her busy schedule, she spends many nights and weekends volunteering.  

“What I like best about Jill is that she has never been one to seek the limelight but, if she receives any, uses it to shine light on the organization(s) she is serving,” wrote nominator Traci Newman.  

Some of those organizations include Across the Bridge, a faith-based addiction recovery organization; the Gwinnett Coalition; Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District; and Rainbow Village, a faith-based nonprofit serving the homeless.  

Anne Patrick

Anne Patrick worked as a caseworker for St. Vincent de Paul, an international Catholic organization that serves those in poverty, for 20 years. Now, she is the president of a parish group through St. Vincent de Paul at Mary Our Queen Catholic Church and often prays with people in the community. 

“There are countless numbers of individuals and families who have benefitted from her being there for them — whether it be to have their power turned back on, food on the table, rent for the week, transportation issues resolved, last minute saves from eviction, Christmas gifts under the tree, clothes to wear to school and so much more,” wrote nominator Kolinda Scialabba. 

Yamaly “Kati” Tait

Kati Tait has helped foster children by opening up her home. During the pandemic, her daughter started a business so that she could use the profits to help foster children.  

Tait also active in “Buy Nothing Snellville,” a Facebook group where Snellville residents donate items from their houses to each other for free. She has also organized baby showers for mothers who would not have had one otherwise.  

“She is the most loyal, giving, selfless person who asks for nothing in return,” wrote nominator Ellen Chaffee. 

Sherwin Levinson

Sherwin Levinson is the volunteer executive director of MRC GEM, a nonprofit medical reserve corps. Over the past 18 months, he has helped the organization grow from just a few hundred volunteers to 1,500. He gives above and beyond for his community and leads by example. For his 50th anniversary this year, he and his wife graciously offered up a matching grant to raise more money for MRC GEM.   

“Sherwin is quiet, humble and non-assuming, but he is a man driven by faith, family and community who leaves a lasting positive mark wherever he goes,” wrote nominator Paige Havens, who also won the Good Neighbor Award in 2020. 

MRC GEM

MRC GEM (Medical Reserve Corps Georgia East Metro) has been a vital force in our neighborhood’s (GNR) response to COVID-19. During the pandemic, more than 1,300 MRC GEM volunteers provided more than 17,000 hours primarily helping with testing and vaccinations, which would be worth more than $700,000. 

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Please join us in celebrating these good neighbors and the work they have done for our Gwinnett community. 

“It is our great pleasure to recognize and celebrate this year’s winners of the Good Neighbor Awards,” said Executive Director Dr. Gregory Lang. “Inspired by our gratitude for our own volunteers who go above and beyond caring for our patients, Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett began giving this award three years ago to highlight the selfless and often unsung heroes of our community. Our goal is to recognize those who lead servant lives and encourage the community at large to give applause to those servants. I am very pleased with the winners this year, and thank those who submitted nominations for this group of people.” 

What is a Good Neighbor? Our awardees share their thoughts below:

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Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett (GSHCG or Good Sam Gwinnett) is a charitable nonprofit serving the working poor and uninsured in north Metro Atlanta by providing quality, affordable dental, medical and pharmaceutical services. Good Sam Gwinnett is available at two locations in Norcross, Georgia. The mission of Good Sam Gwinnett is to demonstrate Christ’s love through these services. Visit our website for more information, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

 

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