Each year, the Arlington County Human Rights Commission
presents the James B. Hunter Award to “individuals, community
groups, nonprofit organizations and business establishments
that promote cultural diversity and equal rights for all
residents.”
The award is named for a former Arlington board member who
dedicated his life to helping people access government
services designed to protect their rights.
At a recent ceremony in the Arlington County Board Room,
Arlington Catholic Charities’ Hogar Immigrant Services and
Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Arlington received two of
four James B. Hunter awards presented for 2015.
Hogar Immigrant Services has more than 800 volunteers who
help immigrants with education and legal services.
The group was nominated for the award by human rights
commissioner Mao Lin.
Brooke Hammond Pérez, program director for Hogar
Immigrant Services, said that Lin nominated Hogar after
researching groups who help immigrants. Lin, who came from a
family of immigrants, recognized their work in education and
legal services. He said there were groups who do legal work
and groups that do educational work, but Hogar does both.
“We are a one-stop shop,” said Pérez, who accepted the
award on behalf of Hogar. Also in attendance for the ceremony
was Art Bennett, CEO and president of Catholic Charities;
Cathy Hassinger, director of community services for Catholic
Charities; as well as about 10 Hogar staff members.
Our Lady Queen of Peace Church received an award because of
its long-term commitment to defending the human rights and
dignity of Arlington residents. Spiritan Father Timothy J.
Hickey, pastor, accepted the award on behalf of the parish.
Also present was Michelle Knight, social justice and outreach
minister, and about 12 parishioners.
“It’s quite an honor to have been recognized for our
commitment to human rights and dignity,” said Father Hickey.
Father Hickey said that the award is not just for the work
the parish has done recently but the work that’s been done
for the past 70 years.
Awardees received a plaque and a letter of congratulations
from Virginia Senator Mark Warner.
