At Humanim, our mission comes to life every day through people who choose to do more than what’s expected. We call them Do Besters—individuals who lead with compassion, embrace challenges, support one another, and go above and beyond to create opportunities for the people and communities we serve.
Every day across Humanim, our employees demonstrate this mindset through their dedication, innovation, and commitment to helping others achieve their goals. Their work strengthens our organization and transforms lives.
This year, we were proud to present the Humanim in Action Awards for the third time, recognizing three outstanding employees whose dedication, compassion, and commitment exemplify the Do Besters spirit and the very best of Humanim. This employee recognition program includes three legacy honors named after former Chairs of our Board of Directors: the David Eberhardt Humanity Award, the Chris Eddings Impact Award, and the Kevin Frank Workforce Development Award. They celebrate employees who consistently demonstrate our core values, excel in service delivery, and make meaningful contributions to the individuals we support.
Congratulations, Donte (Baltimore Meaningful Day) – David Eberhardt Humanity Award
This year, we presented the David Eberhardt Humanity Award to Donte, Manager of the Meaningful Day Program in Baltimore.
Donte’s leadership is rooted in a personal commitment to both the individuals he supports and the Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) on his team. Our Director of Developmental Disabilities Services shares, “Donte consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that DSPs receive the training, guidance, and support they need to succeed in their roles. More importantly, he fosters an environment where both staff and individuals feel valued and heard. He makes it clear that everyone’s voice matters.”
Congratulations, Julie (Administrative Services) – Chris Eddings Impact Award
The 2026 Chris Eddings Impact Award was presented to Julie, an Administrative Coordinator who’s been a part of the Humanim family for over twenty years.
Julie is known for anticipating needs, solving problems, and helping wherever she is needed. Our Director of Administrative Services nominated Julie for this honor writing, “Julie consistently goes above and beyond her role to support programs, staff, and individuals served, helping ensure that daily operations run smoothly and that everyone who comes through our doors or calls feels welcomed and cared for.”
Congratulations Abe (EBSE) – Kevin Frank Workforce Development Award
This year’s Kevin Frank Workforce Development Award was presented to Abe, an Employment Consultant in our Evidence-Based Supported Employment (EBSE) program.
Abe is known for consistently maintaining impeccable documentation and ensuring compliance while helping individuals build independence and develop the skills necessary for long-term employment success. As noted in his nomination from our Manager of EBSE, “Abe truly embodies Humanim’s mission through his compassionate and person-centered approach. He is consistently supportive of those he encounters, treating individuals, colleagues, and community partners with respect and professionalism.”
Congratulations to Donte, Julie, and Abe, our 2026 Humanim in Action Award recipients! Thank you for embodying the Do Besters spirit through your compassion, leadership, and commitment to creating opportunities for others. You inspire your colleagues, strengthen our communities, and remind us what it means to bring Humanim’s mission to life every day.
About the Humanim in Action Awards
The David Eberhardt Humanity Award, named after our longest-serving board member, honors an employee who exemplifies fierce compassion and exceptional service. David Eberhardt’s dedication spans more than 30 years, and his commitment to quality care, inspired by his experience as a parent of a daughter with disabilities, reflects the values that continue to guide Humanim today.
The Chris Eddings Impact Award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond their duties to create a significant impact. Named after Chris Eddings, a former board chair known for his 18 years of service, this award acknowledges those whose dedication and teamwork make a profound difference. Chris’s leadership was key in projects like the merger of WorkFirst, the American Brewery Project, and the launch of our social enterprise division.
The Kevin Frank Workforce Development Award recognizes employees who demonstrate excellence in workforce development. Kevin Frank, another former board chair, served for 22 years and led the finance committee throughout his tenure. His leadership was crucial in the acquisition of Harbor City Services and its statewide expansion. Kevin’s passion for workforce development was evident in his efforts to help a Humanim participant launch a career at KPMG despite significant obstacles.