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Presbyterian Health Education and Welfare Association equips individuals and communities for lives of dignity and hope through the educational resources, peer support and public advocacy of its ten member networks.

2023 PHEWA AWARDS: 

Call for Nominations!

Please consider nominating a person, congregation, or other PC(USA) entity that has demonstrated actions of justice, service, and advocacy in areas of SOCIAL JUSTICE, DISABILITY, HIV, and REPRODCUTIVE OPTIONS.

FINAL SUBMISSION DAY IS: March 31st

*Please click the "Submit Nomination" link at the left side of every award. This will prompt you to write an email saying who should be awarded, what award, and why. Each of the associated networks will then vote to determine the final awardees.
All awardees will be anounced at PHEWA's annual meeting May 5th. 

The PHEWA's John Park Lee Award

Submit Nomination
Submit Nomination

Awardee must fit this description:

The John Park Lee Award, goes to a person, congregation, or other PC(USA) entity that exhibits outstanding commitment to social justice in its life and ministry.



History Behind the  Award: 

John Park Lee was the founder and first Executive Director of what is now the Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association (PHEWA).  His early career spanned public relations work in New York City, newspaper reporting in Philadelphia and government service for the common wealth of Pennsylvania, for the city and county of Philadelphia, and for the federal government. 


In 1950, he assumed the position of Director, Division of Welfare Agencies of the Presbyterian Board of Pensions and in 1956, added to his responsibilities, Secretary, Office of Industrial Chaplains, Department of City and Industrial Work, Board of National Missions, In 1955 he oversaw the creation of National Presbyterian Health and Welfare Association (now PHEWA), and in 1966 he became its first Executive Secretary, During this period, he coordinated the health and welfare efforts of the church, guided the National Presbyterian Health and Welfare Association through its organizational period, He was a leader in sensitizing the church to its opportunities for mission, and pressed agency staffs toward exceptional quality. 


Few have done more to advance the total program of health and welfare in the PC(USA).. It was the desire of the Association in establishing this award in 1969 to recognize and perpetuate the qualities of concern, sensitivity and involvement, singularly exemplified in John Park Lee.

Presbyterians for Disability Concern’s

Nancy Jennings Award

Submit Nomination
Submit Nomination

Awardee must fit this description: 

The Nancy Jennings Award, goes to a person, congregation, or other PC(USA) entity that affirms, supports, and advocates for the gifts, rights, and responsibilities of people with disabilities in the life of the church. 


History Behind the Award:

 One of these early pioneers was Nancy Jennings, one of the first PDC moderators. Nancy lived with seizures and encountered the fear and prejudice of people who believed that she had an “evil eye.” Some neighbors refused to allow their children to play with Nancy’s children because they believed that she was demon possessed. Every year we honor Nancy’s courage and faithfulness by presenting the Nancy Jennings Award to an individual or group that exemplifies her commitment.
Presbyterian HIV Network's
Faith in Action Award
Submit Nomination
Submit Nomination
Awardee must fit this description: 

Faith in Action Award goes to a person, congregation, or other PC(USA) entity that has made significant contributions and work advocating for more full awareness and education regarding HIV and supporting those with HIV. 

History Behind the Award: 

Begun in 2010 by the Presbyterians AIDS Network, the faith in action award was designed to recognize congregations and community organizations who demonstrate God’s unconditional love by breaking down the walls of stigma and discrimination around HIV.

Presbyterians Affirming Reproductive Options' Anne Hale Johnson Award
Submit Nomination
Submit Nomination

Awardee must fit this description: 

Anne Hale Johnson Award goes to a person, congregation, or other PC(USA) entity that has made significant contributions and sustained significant work in advancing the cause of reproductive justice, health, rights, and freedom both in the church and in society.

History Behind the Award:

Established in 2023 by Presbyterians Affirming Reproductive Options (PARO) at a very precarious and vulnerable point in the herstory of reproductive rights, health and justice for women and all pregnant people in the U.S. Anne Hale Johnson was a faithful and progressive Presbyterian Woman who graciously funded PARO and supported the PC(USA) pro-choice policies.
"Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly . . ."