The Governor’s Office of Disabilities Affairs will be recognizing Lynn Stevens on Wednesday, December 7th at 2pm in the Old State Capital as part of the Governor’s Outstanding Leadership in Disabilities (GOLD) Awards Ceremony. The Annual GOLD Awards is an opportunity for Louisiana to pay tribute to the achievements and dedication of individuals in the disability community.
Lynn Stevens has been selected as this year’s Patsy Barrett Memorial Award Winner. Patsy Barrett was a human rights activist, and initiated the GOLD Awards in 1982 to recognize people who work for equality, justice and dignity for people with disabilities. Ms. Barrett was also involved in policy development at the national level and worked with leaders who helped formulate the Americans with Disabilities Act into Federal Law.
“Ms. Stevens, Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana’s Director of Workforce Development, was selected for her leadership abilities and achiefvements as a disability advocate. Her inspiration and positive changes in the community have made North Louisiana a better place for all people”, said Lillian DeJean, Senior Coordinator of Office of Disabilities Affairs.
This year’s program will be livestreamed on the Governor’s Office of
Community Programs’ YouTube channel, as well as shown on local public stations across the state in the months following the GOLD Awards.
Other recipients of the 2022 GOLD Awards are: Distinguished Merit Award: Kathy Dwyer, Metarie; Ken Vince Memorial Award: David Green, New Orleans; Educator of the Year: Dr. Charles Michel, Gray; April Dunn Youth of the Year: Garrison St. Martin; Family of the Year: The Billings-Roger Family, Baton Rouge; Volunteer of the Year: Kathleen Cannino, Covington; Direct Support Person of the Year: Rodricka Winn, Shreveport; Elected Official of the Year: Representative Rodney Lyons, Harvey; Public Servant of the Year: Dr. John Schweitzer, Baton Rouge; Service Provider of the Year: Family & Youth Counseling, Lake Charles; Veteran of the Year: Sgt. Billy Robbins, Gonzales; and Employer of the Year: Families Helping Familes of Southwest Louisiana.