wfn.org | ABCUSA: ABHHA Chooses Merit Citation Recipients

["SCHRAMM, Richard" <Rich.Schramm@abc-usa.org>]

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 1/20/05)--The American
Baptist Homes and Hospitals Association (ABHHA) has chosen recipients
for Special Merit Citation Awards that will be presented during the
American Baptist Biennial Meeting this July in Denver, Colo.

"We are very proud to offer this recognition to the mission-driven
individuals who serve ABHHA members so well," says Patricia Griffith,
president of ABHHA and executive vice president of KidsHopeUnited
(formerly Hudelson Baptist Family Services), Centralia, Ill.

The Special Merit Citations recognize extraordinary service in the
following categories:

Retirement Communities - Dr. Gary L. Grogan, Des Moines, Ia.

Special Recognition/Distinguished Service - The Rev. Allen Hinand,
Boston, Mass.

Housing - Dennis Sampson, Pewaukee, Wis.

Children's Homes - The Rev. Eugene W. Allen, Victoria, Minn.

Children's Services - George Wynne, Utica, N.Y.

The American Baptist Homes and Hospitals Association has 130 member
organizations in the United States and Puerto Rico that serve more than
18,000 persons daily.

"Leaders of children's and family services, community ministries, and
senior housing must meet government regulations, manage diverse
employees, maintain properties and raise funds," said Griffith. "Here's
where ABHHA can help. Through our faith-based training program, we help
leaders pause; we help them reflect on the meaning of their ministries."

Such faith-based practices, she said, are essential to those who would
successfully lead mission-driven organizations. For more information on
American Baptist homes and hospitals visit
www.nationalministries.org/mission/abhha/.

K/2005ABNS/05ABN10

American Baptist News Service: Office of Communication, American Baptist
Churches USA, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; (800)ABC-3USA
x2077 / (610)768-2077; fax: (610)768-2320; www.abc-usa.org;
richard.schramm@abc-usa.org