2011 Clifton R. Cohn Community Leaders Award
Phoenix Family is pleased to present the winners of the 5th annual Clifton R. Cohn Community Leader Awards. These awards honor the exemplary service of individuals dedicated to improving our community, especially the lives of low-income children, families and seniors.
2011 Clifton R. Cohn Distinguished Community Leaders
Irv Belzer and Sue McCord-Belzer
Phoenix Family is proud to award the 2011 Clifton R. Cohn Distinguished Community Leader Award to Irv Belzer and Sue McCord-Belzer in recognition of their tireless commitment to the people of Kansas City, service, and advancing the common good.
In drawing attention to the needs of our most vulnerable community members and in promoting greater opportunities for those who live in Kansas City, Irv and Sue have not only recognized the importance of investing in our future, but have mobilized various resources that can meet critical needs. With powerful voices and concern for their fellow citizens, they have inspired countless Kansas Citians. Their advocacy and their engagement in the work of the nonprofit community have empowered others to strengthen our community.
Irv’s varied community involvement includes serving as counsel to the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Vice Chair of the Board of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City, Chairman of the Board of The Learning Exchange, Inc. and as a board member of the Kansas City Area Development Council and Law School Foundation for UMKC. Sue’s current community service includes serving as a board member of the Shepherd Center Central and the Jewish Heritage Foundation. Formerly, she has been active with numerous organizations including Village Shalom, Alzheimer’s Association, the Parkinson Foundation and Women’s Foundation of Kansas City.
2011 Clifton R. Cohn Senior Community Leader
Rosemary Warner
A life-long resident of Northeast Kansas City, Rosemary Warner has devoted her life to making her community a better place. For almost half a century, she was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, a charitable giving organization, and served as Missouri State Auxiliary President. Now, she lends her heart and service to others to build a strong community among the residents at the senior housing community, Nowlin Hall. Whether it's providing a home-cooked meal twice a week for other residents at Nowlin or seeing a need for new benches, Rosemary leads by example, inspiring others to join with her in making Nowlin a welcoming home for everyone who lives there.
2011 Clifton R. Cohn Adult Community Leader
Shonta Ashley
Although young, Shonta Ashley's leadership at Rosedale Ridge is undeniable. A highly motivated and energetic woman, Shonta doesn't accept the word “can’t” willingly. Her investment in her community goes beyond just having a place to live. Whenever she sees a problem, she approaches it with a positive attitude and a willingness to help in whatever capacity needed in order to fix the problem. A natural leader, Shonta has created several community-wide programs, including a girls' dance troupe, a boys' football league and a community-wide BBQ. She is a catalyst for change who empowers people to look beyond the problems and to create positive actions.
2011 Clifton R. Cohn Youth Community Leader
DeAndre Jenkins
As a student, a son and grandson, and now as a mentor, DeAndre uses his own experiences and talents to help others in his community. DeAndre credits his grandmother, his mother, and his service coordinator, Shida Brooks, as his true inspiration. DeAndre is a true role model for young leadership. He has volunteered for the past three years for the Friendship Village After-School program, as well as for the Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Art's Student Advisory Council. Whether it is his involvement at school, volunteer work in the after-school program or taking care of his family, DeAndre is a leader for other young people and is making a marked difference for the better in his neighborhood and in the lives of those kids that look up to him.