Homeward Bound's staff has been recognized with numerous awards in recent years. We have also been invited to present and share our best practices at various conferences. The following is a summary of some of these achievements:
Presentations:
National Alliance to End Homelessness' "Ending Family Homelessness" Conference: Mary Kay Sweeney, Executive Director of Homeward Bound, presented Housing First Strategies (Housing At Last!) in 2006 and 2007.
Marin Nonprofit Conference: Paul Fordham, Development Director, presented on alternative fundraising strategies and on social enterprise ventures at the Marin Nonprofit Conference in 2006 and 2008.
Awards:
Heroes of Marin 2011, Innovation Honoree to Fresh Starts Cooking School from the Pacific Sun newspaper. The award recognizes the unique partnership that brings together celebrity chefs and job-training students at Homeward Bound's Fresh Starts Culinary Academy to present a monthly series of entertaining community events.
Visionary Award, Cammie Awards 2010 to Executive Director Mary Kay Sweeney from Community Action Marin's annual honors for leaders in community service. The award lauded her as a catalyst for "an era of innovation in combating homelessness using imagination and the willingness to explore the untapped potential in everyone."
Nonprofit Organization of the Year 2009 to Homeward Bound of Marin from the San Francisco chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth, a global group for professionals in corporate finance, venture capital and mergers and acquisitions. The award recognizes "strong leadership, exceptional growth, strategic clarity, and a commitment to social responsibility."
Heart of Marin Awards - Volunteer of the Year 2008 to Jean Taylor, chairwoman of the capital campaign resulting in creation of the Next Key Center in Novato. The award cited her "unflagging enthusiasm and tireless service" to the campaign as well as numerous volunteer efforts on behalf of Homeward Bound that began in 1989.
Golden Bell Award to Carol Menard, Director of Culinary Education, for her work with the Fresh Starts Culinary Academy at NBC. These awards recognize innovative and sustainable education programs that have been developed and successfully implemented by California teachers and administrators and can be replicated by districts and county offices throughout the state.
Marin Economic Commission's Eighth Annual Award for Community Leadership and Service to Homeward Bound and executive director, Mary Kay Sweeney, for 32 years of helping the homeless. Homeward Bound was the first nonprofit to be honored with this award.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award of Marin County Human Rights Commission to Bob Puett, Deputy Director, for his dedicated leadership and commitment to the delivery of dignified homeless services and advocating for affordable housing in Marin County.
Violet Richardson Award, Soroptomist International of the Americas honoring Cailen Wright for her work at New Beginnings and Family Resource Centers. The Violet Richardson Award honors young women between the ages of 14 and 17 for their volunteer service.
The Jefferson Award for Public Service for Youth Volunteer, to Kimball Kaufman in 2005.
2005 Heart of Marin Award for Achievement in Non-Profit Excellence to Homeward Bound
2005 Heart of Marin Award for Excellence in Non-Profit Leadership to Mary Kay Sweeney, Executive Director.
2005 Heart of Marin Award Youth Volunteer of the Year to Trey Bullieri
