Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

A Night to Remember

The Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky Honors Changemaking Volunteers 

On Thursday, April 24, volunteers, board members, and staff of the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky (ESNKY) gathered at the Florence Nature Park Event Center for ESNKY’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. The event celebrated the dedicated individuals and organizations whose compassion, energy, and time make our mission possible. 

2025 Volunteer Appreciation Award Winners 

Ralph Drees Impact Award

Presented to Holy Spirit Parish and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

For their critical role in launching and sustaining the Campbell County Cold Shelter. Holy Spirit Parish led volunteer coordination, provided essential supplies, and never missed a night. Even after the shelter transitioned to a new facility, they continued to show up with compassion and dedication. 

This is given to an individual or group that has had a lasting impact on the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky, in the name of former Kenton County Judge Executive Ralph Drees, of blessed memory, who helped facilitate a group of concerned citizens use the original Scott Street location as a cold shelter in 2008.

Beyond the Call of Duty Award

Awarded to the Associates of the Congregation of Divine Providence

For consistently providing meals and bringing joy to the shelter with thoughtful gestures, especially celebrating guests’ birthdays each month. Their kindness reminds everyone that they are seen and valued. 

This award is given to a volunteer that goes above and beyond in their volunteer service. 

Leroy Collins Award 

Awarded to Michael Dunham, ESNKY Shelter Advocate

Mike participated in the ESNKY Work Program as a guest at the Scott Street shelter location and joined shelter staff in 2024. Mike’s resilience, empathy, and positive attitude makes him a peer role model for guests and staff alike. 

This award is given in memory of Leroy Collins, who had been homeless prior to ESNKY opening, but when we opened, he was a faithful volunteer the first two winter seasons we were open. He then passed away in early 2010. This award was started to recognize someone who had been homeless but after recovering from their own situation of homelessness gave back via volunteering or working at the ESNKY. 

Ignite Intern Reflections 

Bri and Jade, our incredible high school Ignite student interns, shared powerful reflections on their experience with ESNKY and the lessons they’ll carry forward from their time with us into college and beyond. Bri will be attending the University of Kentucky and Jade will be attending Easter State University, both for Psychology. 

Board Member Appreciation

A heartfelt thank you to our outgoing board members; Wes Botto, Sarah Houseman, Andrew Schierberg, and Emily Toebbe; for their leadership, vision, and dedication to the mission of ESNKY. We are better because of their service. Their terms will end on June 30, 2025. Wes is a past Board Treasurer, Sarah is the current Board Secretary, and both Andrew and Emily are past Board Chairs. 

This past winter brought especially meaningful moments for our ESNKY and our community. In response to increasing need, a new program, the Campbell County Cold Shelter, opened on January 5, 2025, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Newport, Kentucky, and after 12 nights, moved to the RCC in Newport. This Life Saving, Life Changing initiative was made possible through collaboration between Campbell County, the City of Newport, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Holy Spirit Catholic Parish, the Campbell County Detention Center, and ESNKY. The program operated for 28 nights and served 166 guests, 47% of whom had never accessed ESNKY’s services before. 

Each winter, ESNKY operates a community-based Cold Shelter, in addition to the year-round Emergency Shelter program, to serve any adult 18+ who is experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. When temperatures fall to dangerous levels, our doors open to provide warmth, safety, and hope. Thanks to our volunteers, partners, and staff, this winter ESNKY was able extend services into Campbell County, meeting even more guests where they are with the dignity and respect they deserve. Because of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church’s hospitality, and volunteer efforts, material donations, and coordination support of Holy Spirit and St. Paul’s, the first Campbell County Cold Shelter was an incredible success. 

An important part of the Emergency Shelter program is meal service, when groups sign-up to provide a warm evening meal to 68 guests sheltering at ESNKY. From companies to churches, sports teams to extended families, groups of all ages and different sizes are invited to cook and service dinner at ESNKY. However, few meals are as popular with our guests than those prepared and served by the Associates of the Congregation of Divine Providence. Whether its Italian Night or Breakfast for Dinner, the Associates always bring a birthday cake, and sing “Happy Birthday” to all guests celebrating a birthday that month. This monthly ritual has become a mainstay at ESNKY, and we are proud to honor the Associates with the “Beyond the Call of Duty” award for their dedication and kindness. 

As we reflected on the lives of the guests that our collective work impacted, Volunteer Appreciation Dinner recognized those who “made their mark” on ESNKY, and all attendees brought home a red ESNKY sharpie. Kim M. Webb, ESNKY CEO and Maya Mintu, ESNKY Volunteer Coordinator, each spoke about the importance of volunteerism to our guests and shelter operations. 

To every volunteer, partner, donor, and staff member: THANK YOU! You remind our guests that they matter, that they are not forgotten, and that our community cares.