Meet Our Awardees

Penn Foundation

Founded in 1955, Penn Foundation is a non-profit organization providing innovative services to address the mental health and substance abuse treatment needs of individuals in our community. With headquarters in Sellersville, Bucks County, and satellite offices in Colmar, Souderton, Pottstown, and Exton, Penn Foundation employs 450 compassionate professionals that serve more than 20,000 children, adolescents, and adults each year with integrated, holistic care designed to meet the unique needs of each person. Penn Foundation believes strongly in the resiliency of the human spirit and is committed to instilling hope, inspiring change, and building community. For more information, visit www.PennFoundation.org.

Hands UP Productions

In 2003, Donna Ellis and Brian Morrison met for the first time in Philadelphia while interpreting the Broadway hit, Chicago at the Merriam Theatre. In 2007, with countless partnered productions under their belts, they embarked on a new adventure, Hands UP Productions. 13 seasons later, they have provided accessible, high quality interpreted theatre for the Deaf community throughout the Philadelphia region.  Their combined theatrical interpreting experience includes hundreds of Broadway tours, regional productions and exploratory performance pieces.  https://www.handsupproductions.com/

Charles Horton

Charles Horton has tirelessly served the community of people with disabilities, as an advocate, mentor, supporter and friend. Formerly the Executive Director for the Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities and ADA Coordinator for Philadelphia, he served under three mayors. Currently, he is the Senior Director of Advocacy and Inclusion for Inglis, where people with disabilities and those who care for them are supported to achieve their goals and live life to the fullest.

A Fierce Kind of Love

A Fierce Kind of Love is a collage of stories—large and intimate—of Pennsylvania’s Intellectual Disability Rights Movement. A Fierce Kind of Love uses word, movement and song to examine this remarkable (and largely untold) history and celebrate the struggle, activism and fierce love that fuels the desire for dignity. For anyone who has ever wanted to be accepted, be heard, or be loved for who they are. A Fierce Kind of Love is performed by a mixed ability cast. Written by Suli Holum and Directed by David Bradley in partnership with Institute on Disabilities, Temple University.