At the 19th Annual Recognition and Renewal banquet on October 21, 2008, the Greg Hoshek Volunteer Award was presented to Kathleen Bearfield for her work as guardian of estate for her ward, James, for the past 15 years. Kathy has been a volunteer guardian for Adult Guardianship Services since 1993 and became James’ guardian later that same year. James was referred to AGS needing continuing financial management. James lives in the community with his wife.

Kathleen Bearfield receiving the Greg Hoshek Volunteer Award from Barb Matlak, Volunteer Manager.

Kathy and her family grew up with James and his family over the past 15 years. There have been many challenges over the years, but their mutual trust and support of each other always pulled them through. Kathy feels she has received much more than she has given.

Over the years Kathy has had to watch James’ family give up many of the things we often take for granted. As the economy weakens, she didn't realize how this would affect people who live so close to the poverty level. The family had to give up pets, their car, the telephone and cable TV. Now it’s a struggle every month just to pay rent and purchase food. The family has to use the food bank every month. Kathy said one of the more difficult things she had to deal with was convincing the family that they had to give up their cable TV as there was no money in their budget any longer. They love to watch the Cleveland Indians. Surprisingly, they have adjusted and even told Kathy that the public library is still free.

We applaud Kathleen Bearfield for her outstanding contribution and dedicated service to Adult Guardianship Services.

Audrey Keppler receiving the Good Samaritan Award from Staff Guardian Kerry Zito

The AGS Good Samaritan Award is given to a member of the community who has made a significant contribution to Adult Guardianship Services. This year’s Good Samaritan Award was presented to Audrey Keppler. Audrey is the Director of Hilltop Village, an independent living facility, located in Euclid, Ohio.

Audrey has helped a number of our wards, especially Henry who was unable to pay his rent. Audrey could have evicted him but she did not. Instead she advocated for Henry and helped get him a guardian who has straightened out all of his finances. After working to redirect his funds and bills, the guardian told Audrey that she could not afford to put Henry on a meal plan until his pension could get redirected. The guardian was not sure how he could pay for Henry’s cable or phone because he also needed food and cigarettes. Audrey responded by asking the guardian what Henry likes to eat and she personally donated food to him to get him through the month. In addition, she agreed to reinstate his housekeeping services. Hilltop is still owed thousands of dollars from Henry, but they continue to help him in so many ways.

Thank you, Audrey, for being a Good Samaritan.