Arizona Cardinals NFL Community Quarterback Award

Caitlin Longstreth, age 16, was chosen as one of three finalists in December 2006. This award recognizes active community volunteers who demonstrate leadership, dedication, and a commitment to improving the communities in which they live. As a result of Catilin's work, Stepping Stones of Hope received $5,000 in her name.

Caitlin meets Kurt Warner: IMG_3343

Photo opportunity with the two other finalists: IMG_3347

A big hug from Luis Zendejas, Director Community Relations: 9135

Catilin and Lisa Weyer, executive director, receive check on the field: 9149

Sister Teresa McIntier Award for Excellence

In June 2006, Dr. Charles Finch, Camp Paz for Kids founder and member of Stepping Stones of Hope Board of Directors, was honored with the coveted Sister Teresa McIntier Award for Excellence from Compassionate Care of Arizona. Dr. Finch is the 3rd individual to receive this award. Sister McIntier was honored with the first award in 2004, and then Eloise Cole in 2005. He is indeed part of an esteemed group!

ONE - Organization for Non-Profit Executives

In December of 2005, Lisa Weyer, Executive Director to 2008, was honored with the ONE Award for Non-Profit Executive Director of the Year in the Small program category - budget less than $500,000. Other honorees include Stephanie Small, Executive Director, Free Arts of Arizona, Medium program category ~ budget less than $2 million, and Susan Levine, Executive Director, Hospice of the Valley, Large program category ~ budget more than $2 million.

Phoenix Business Journal Health Care Heroes

In August of 2005, Lisa Weyer, executive director to 2008, was honored with a Health Care Heroes award in the non-physician category. The award was designed to honor individuals that have gone above and beyond and set the bar for their profession. Also honored in their respective categories were: Dr. Robert Kravetz of Phoenix Baptist Hospital, Dr. John Molina of Las Fuentes Health Clinic, Dr. Gregory Pafford of the Boys & Girls Club Dave Pratt Dental Clinic, Marge Ebeling of the WellCare Foundation, Thomas Hamm, Ph.D. of Barrow Neurological Institute, Sharon Brooks of Paradise Valley Hospital, John Fear of the Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Ross J. Kosinski, Ph.D. of Midwestern University, and Dr. Edward Donahue of St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center.

Kids Day America/International Organization Award

In September of 2004, Dr. Charles Finch was presented an award from Kids Day America/International Organization. The award is given for outstanding commitment and dedication to thechildren in our community. Dr. Finch was honored alongside a Phoenix City Councilmen and a community missionary. Congratulations Dr. Finch!

Congregation Beth Israel's Annual Humanitarian Award for 2003

Stepping Stones of Hope was chosen because of the work we do in the community; caring about children in difficult situations.

Past recipients, starting in 1994 include CASA (Center Against Sexual Assault); Council for Jews With Special Needs; AIDS Project Arizona; Camp Rainbow (Children's Cancer Center Camp); Marcus House; Anytown USA; Fighting Prejudice; Presentations by Seniors, Operation Sleep Sac and the Chrysalis Shelter, Inc.

Humanitarian Award for 2002 from the AOMA

Recipient of the 2002 Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association’s (AOMA) Humanitarian Award honoring a socially responsible AOMA member who has donated his/her time and efforts to improve mankind. This award has been presented to Dr. Finch for his dedication and commitment to the community. Dr. Finch is the founder and camp Director of Camp Paz, a non-profit bereavement camp for children who have experienced a death in his or her life.

2002 Frances Young Community Heroes Award of Merit

Dr. Finch was selected honoring his volunteer work in the community. This award is presented annually by the City of Scottsdale in collaboration with the Scottsdale Community Liaison Council. The Community Health Education and Outreach Services of Scottsdale Healthcare, nominated Dr. Finch for his work in speaking with school children about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and steroids. "His energetic personality and genuine care is felt by the children and teaches alike," stated the nomination. "....We are so thankful for his consistent and enthusiastic support for our services." When the award was presented, by none other than a past Camp Paz campers parent, the presenter spoke highly of Dr. Finch's work as founder and camp director of Camp Paz and is grateful her son had an opportunity to attend a recent camp.

Camp Paz Year 2000 EMMY Award

Stepping Stones of Hope was honored with an EMMY Award for outstanding community service provided to the children and families within the State of Arizona.

This award is based on TV 3's segment "Harrah for Arizona", which aired on television November 16th, 2000. This segment is a powerful story on how children deal with grief. It depicts what takes place during Camp Paz, as well as what we offer to the children and families who attend.

As stated in the story, "Children who have experienced a death -- sometimes from illness, sometimes from violence -- can come to Camp Paz to share their feelings and fears with others who are experiencing the same emotions, and with counselors who help them work through those feelings." "Helping these children does wonders for their wounded hearts." "If they need to cry or vent their anger, there's somebody to hold them and comfort them, or to just listen."

Everyone at Stepping Stones of Hope was thrilled and honored to receive such an award. Thank you to KTVK Channel 3, Jana Bommersbach, and Scott Davis for their hard work and effort to make this possible.