Awards, Honors, and Recognition

The creative and dedicated work of the founders and volunteers of Interfaith CarePartners® have attracted national and local recognition.  The tributes recognize the exemplary service of personnel related to Interfaith CarePartners, as well as indicating the national significance of Interfaith CarePartners’ caregiving, education, and training programs.

President's Service Award, 1998

Presented to Interfaith CarePartners in an Oval Office ceremony by President Bill Clinton.  Sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation and the Corporation for National Service, the President’s Service Award “is the most prestigious award ever given for volunteer community service.”   This high honor recognized 11 years of coordinating volunteer service in the Houston area and national contribution to volunteer caregiving through replication of Interfaith CarePartners’ Care Team model by interfaith and community groups across the nation.  This award is now called the President’s Community Volunteer Award.  

Rosalyn Carter Caregiving Award, 1997

Presented to Dr. Ronald H. Sunderland, Interfaith CarePartners’ co-founder.  This tribute from the former First Lady and the Rosalynn Carter Institute in Americus, Georgia “recognizes an individual for leadership and innovation in caregiving.”

America's Award, 1992

Presented to Dr. Earl E. Shelp, Interfaith CarePartners' co-founder and President.  This tribute during a gala at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC from Norman Vincent Peale’s Positive Thinking Foundation is presented to “unsung heroes who personify the American character and spirit.”

National Family Caregiver Support Award, 2010

Presented for innovation, responsiveness, and effectiveness by The National Alliance for Caregiving and MetLife Foundation.  The award is presented to an organization that “provides family caregiver support programs . . .  in a truly innovative way” in a community with a population of 100,000 or greater.

Governor’s Volunteer Award, 2002

Presented to Interfaith CarePartners by Texas Governor Rick Perry and the Texas Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service for exemplary volunteer service by a group.

Harris County Judge Robert Eckels Volunteer Award, 2001

Presented to Interfaith CarePartners in recognition of the exceptional volunteers in an organization with religious affiliation.

Award of Excellence in Older Volunteer Program Management 

Presented to Interfaith CarePartners by the 2006 Older Volunteers Enrich America program of the MetLife Foundation and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.  Interfaith CarePartners was one of three programs honored nationally.

Service to Seniors Award (First Prize), 1999

Presented to Dr. Earl E. Shelp, Dr. Ronald H. Sunderland, and Interfaith CarePartners for outstanding contributions to seniors and their families by The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, the nation’s second largest lobby for seniors in Washington, D.C.

Exemplary Program Award, 2006 

Presented to Interfaith CarePartners by the Promising Practices in Civic Engagement Initiative, sponsored by the RespectAbility program at the National Council on the Aging, Washington, DC.  Interfaith CarePartners was one of eight programs honored nationally from 107 nominees.

Exemplary Program in Caregiving, 2001 

Presented to Interfaith CarePartners by the National Council on the Aging, the nation’s first association of organizations and professionals dedicated to promoting the dignity, self-determination, well-being, and contributions of older persons.  From a national survey of 628 organizations serving seniors, Interfaith CarePartners was selected as one of ten outstanding programs and featured in the survey report as one of five exemplary, innovative programs in caregiving.

Multi-Faith Meritorious Award, 2009 

Presented for the Alzheimer’s Care Team® ‘Gathering Place’ expression of caregiver respite support to Interfaith CarePartners by the National Interfaith Coalition on Aging, Best Practices in Older Adult Ministry.