The award was established in memory of Diane Lynn Anderson to recognize those who exemplify the same qualities she possessed: active acceptance, respect, compassion, devotion, and caring for people with disabilities. Nominees may also include volunteers, organizations or programs that have established advocacy services and/or increased community resources for people with disabilities.
The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona announces Anne Levy and Kyle Lininger as the 2021 Diane Lynn Anderson Memorial Award Recipients.
Anne Levy has dedicated her life to supporting the deaf community in Southern Arizona through her work at Community Outreach Program for the Deaf (COPD). Anne’s journey with COPD began in 1980, after receiving her master’s degree in Counseling for the Deaf from Gallaudet University. Anne worked providing counseling services and services coordination for years, developing opportunities and increasing services throughout Arizona.
As programs expanded, Anne was invited to present at various conferences regarding new strategies and best practices in serving Deaf persons. Anne’s position grew, and she began assuming responsibilities for services throughout Arizona and in New Mexico. With services continuing to develop, Anne started overseeing a group of four organizations known as Deaf and Residential Services (DRS). She took on the role of Executive Director of DRS in 1999.
Upon announcement of her award, Anne expressed, “I am eternally grateful for my life’s work – my soul’s expression. I am humbled by being nominated by people who have shared in this work.”
Kyle Lininger has dedicated his professional life to ensuring that persons with developmental disabilities are treated with respect and compassion and that healthcare systems address care for these individuals. In conjunction with his work at Intermountain Services, Kyle is also the Director of Behavior Consultation Services in Northern Arizona. He is a board-certified Behavior Analyst and holds a master’s degree in Public Administration.
Upon the announcement of the award, Kyle shared, “Awards like this go to individuals, but I would be remiss if I did not share a core belief of mine shaped by experience: very little that is worth doing really gets done or is sustained without meaningful community partnerships and dedicated colleagues. Thank you, CFSA, for all that you do to serve Southern Arizona and Southern Arizonans, and thank you for this award.”
Past Recipients
2021: Anne Levy, Community Outreach Program for the Deaf, Deaf and Residential Services; Kyle Lininger, Intermountain Centers for Human Development
2020: Dr. Fabi Hirsch Kruse, Friends of Aphasia; Dr. Stephanie MacFarland, University of Arizona College of Education
2019: Vicki Cuscino, DIRECT Center for Independence; Echoing Hope Ranch
2018: Steve King, Beacon Group; Marshall Herron, Jewish Family and Children’s Services
2017: Mindy Bernstein, Coyote TaskForce; Steve Freeman, Southern Arizona Network for Down Syndrome
2016: Mary Vardi, Therapeutic Riding of Tucson; Taglit Day Program at the Jewish Community Center; and Angeline Fahey, Beads of Courage
2015: Jamie Lakin Kelley, Integrative Touch for Kids
2014: Aurora Foundation of Southern Arizona and Criminal Justice Team of the Community Partnership of Southern Arizona
2013: Sister Jeanne Carrigan, ArtWorks; Kathy Gray-Mangerson, Arizona Department of Education
2012: Derry Dean, National Alliance on Mental Illness Southern Arizona; Disability & Rehabilitation Employment Awareness Month (DREAM) Team
2011: Murray Everson, Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind
2010: Jenny Hill, Angels Purse, Inc.; Alicia Morada, Southern Arizona Legal Aid, Inc.; Richard St. Denis, World Access
2009: Jean Balcezak, Tucson Arthritis Support League
2008: Barbara McDevitt; Maureen A. Priestley, Amphitheater School District
2006: Jamie Zink, Our Family Services; Giving Tree Outreach Program
2005: Roni Spehn, Blake Foundation; Polio Epic
2004: Karen Gialle and Jennifer Quinlan, Southern Arizona Veterans Administration Healthcare; Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Southern Arizona
2003: Eric Morrison, Pima Community College; Dr. Juliet Niehaus, Tucson Botanical Gardens; Top Dog
1998: Marcia Berger, Third Street Kids; Catalina Helping Hands
1997: Sherry Isaman, Sunnyside School District; Patricia Ann Childs, Multiple Sclerosis Support Foundation; SAGE Employment & Community Services
1995: Dr. Kent Kloepping, CEDR/University of Arizona; Tucson Association of the Blind-Goals Program
1994: Dolores Flores, Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona; Michael Flores, United Cerebral Palsy
1993: Ray Stoughton, Arivaca Coordinating Council; Anne Parrish, Amputee Outreach
1992: Alamo Reaves, Handi-Dogs; Project RAISE-Adult Basic Education
1991: Ron Olson, Catholic Social Services