Michael Carroll Award Winner: Janine Betsey

Each year IHCDA partners with Prosperity Indiana to recognize an individual who has exhibited exceptional advocacy to support the community economic development industry across our state. 

A heartfelt congratulations goes to Janine Betsey for receiving the 2022 Michael Carroll Community Economic Development Leadership Award. Janine is recognized as a visionary leader who has convened multidimensional partnerships and led redevelopment efforts in serving disadvantaged communities, developing dynamic affordable housing projects, and implementing economic development initiatives that have transformed neighborhoods and improved residents’ quality of life. 

In addition to recognizing Janine for her dedicated servant leadership, I also want to congratulate the other award winners at the Prosperity Indiana Summit and thank them for their contributions to the affordable housing and community development industry and the communities they serve:

Supportive Services Program of the Year:  Prevent Picks
A volunteer-led, community-based initiative, the winning program increases health and safety while reducing stigma and discrimination. It raises public awareness and acceptance of evidence-based harm reduction principles, policies, and programs among public health and health care systems, local government, and the general public.

Robert O. Zdenek Staff Member of the Year: Anna Schoon of Northwest Indiana Community Action
Anna has spent more than 20 years “working with low-income and socially diverse populations to help them develop economic stability via opportunities for housing and employment. And she weaves advocacy in all of her actions, and it is her actions that make the impact.”

John Niederman Rural Development Leadership award: Eric Frey of Administrative Resources association and Southern Indiana Housing and Community Development Corp
Eric has dedicated himself to various roles – whether working on park plans, transportation, or improving housing or infrastructure; he has been described as “To some, it may seem like just another project. But it is changing lives and creating a better living environment for people in the communities he is helping.” 

The celebration of Black History Month has given us the opportunity to recognize individuals in our state who have made a positive difference in the lives of so many through their commitment to promoting civil and human rights in community development and affordable housing.

Willie Dearing, who is fondly referred to as Ms. Willie, learned the importance of strong communities in her childhood. Her mother, a single parent with limited resources, made sure her children participated in community activities such as 4-H, neighborhood softball games and church. As an adult in South Bend, Ms. Willie wanted to do her part to improve her community and help her neighbors.  So, she volunteered to serve as the president of the board of her neighborhood’s housing cooperative, South Bend Mutual Homes. Over the past five years, Ms. Willie and the other SBMH board members have created several programs to benefit those living in the community, including a neighborhood clean-up, a fund to help residents with emergency expenses and a free lunch program at the community park. Ms. Willie enjoys spending time with her neighbors at board organized activities such as the back-to-school barbecue where backpacks are handed out and game night.

 In addition to her service on the SBMH board, Ms. Willie contributes to her community as a public speaker with the city of South Bend. She speaks to vulnerable individuals at risk of gun violence. She helps make the city a safer place by encouraging listeners to avoid potentially violent situations and make good choices. Ms. Willie also opened the first black owned beauty supply store in her neighborhood and wrote two novels about the black experience in America.