Nolda Ware - Manager of Person Centred Practices, Semiahmoo House Society

For 25 years Nolda has been putting people first. As Manager of Person-Centres Practices for Semiahmoo House Society in South Surrey, a positon created for her unique skill set, Nolda has used her exceptional talents in person-centred thinking and planning to help support people with disabilities and their families plan positive, meaningful lives.

Nolda is admired for putting people first, and for giving them a voice. She is someone who goes the extra mile in making a difference in community social services.

Shelly Knuff - Manager, Grant East Residential Group Home, Communitas Supportive Care Society

Shelly has made an impact in the lives of staff and residents with her leadership skills at Communitas Supportive Care Society for over 25 years. As the manager of Grant East residential home in Abbotsford, Shelly provides oversight to many programs. She created the “Community Living Program” to provide skills and training for people with disabilities – a program still in use today.

Shelly is a tireless advocate who deeply values the lives of those around her. She is a mentor and leader who has brought fresh ideas and created positive, lasting change to the social services community.

Michael McCoy - Retired Executive Director, Touchstone Family Association

Michael McCoy has been a community leader in the social services sector for over 40 years. Thirty of those years were spent at Touchstone Family Association in Richmond before Michael retired from his position as executive director in March 2015.

The Restorative Justice program – an alternative to the court system that allows young people to learn from their mistakes as well as the Front Porch program that provides barrier free counseling to families in distress are programs that Michael successfully championed and are legacies to his leadership.

Michael has spent his career developing collaborative and innovative programs that benefit the lives of many. Through his passion and commitment he has made extraordinary contributions to the community and the social services sector. He is truly a legend.