Beacon associates receive Martin Luther King, Jr. Day honors
For Beacon associates Kimberly Green Reeves and Lynn Coleman, giving back to the community isn’t just something they do professionally. It is a way of life.
Green Reeves grew up in a home with parents who instilled in her at a very young age that giving is its own reward. Over the years, she and her family have hosted health fairs and gift giveaways. They have also been blood donors for over 20 years. All for the sake of doing the right thing.
“Serving others is a family value,” said Green Reeves, Director, Community Impact, Beacon Health System. “It doesn’t feel right for me to not give back to my community.”
Similarly, Beacon Health System Community Trauma Liaison Lynn Coleman has devoted both his professional and personal lives to bettering the lives of the people in his community. In addition to volunteering with numerous local organizations, Coleman is a co-founder of the Let’s Turn It Around organization. The organization promotes public awareness of the need for peace and love between all human beings, regardless of their background.
“Giving is my life’s calling,” Coleman said. “I don’t know if I’ll ever go home and just be tired. I will always be giving back to somebody or something.”
While neither sought the spotlight, this year local officials took notice.
South Bend Mayor James Mueller and Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood recognized Green Reeves and Coleman during the 37th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and Day of Service for their lifetime of passion for community service. Both were presented with the Drum Major Award for Community Service by Mayor Mueller during the event, sponsored by the Martin Luther King Foundation in partnership with the South Bend Heritage Foundation, Project Impact and the Civil Rights Heritage Center.
While honored to receive the award for a lifetime of giving, Coleman believes the real reward is having a positive impact on others.
“I am honored that this community has allowed me to serve, to work, and to help better other people’s lives,” Coleman said. “This community has been absolutely great to me and has accepted me in my professional roles as well as my individual ones. For that I am grateful.”
For Green Reeves, the award also holds a much deeper meaning.
“As a little girl, I grew up watching community members get the award and never imagined myself being named a recipient,” Green Reeves said. “It is very humbling.”
