The Association of Community Services (ACS) will present the 44th Annual Audrey Robbins Humanitarian Awards, which honor volunteers and staff in Howard County for exceptional service to their community, on Friday, April 20, at The Great Room at Savage Mill. Guests will have the opportunity to network and meet the winners from 11 a.m.–noon; the awards presentation and lunch will be held from noon–2 p.m.

Each year, a selection committee reviews nominations and selects winners in four categories. This year’s honorees are as follows.

• Jackie Eng, Volunteer of the Year. Jackie Eng is a leader and volunteer who is recognized for her work with nonprofits and county government and her collaboration with diverse individuals and organizations. Since early 2000, she has been a champion for affordable housing, ending homelessness and other human service needs in Howard County through her involvement with nonprofit organizations. They include Bridges to Housing Stability; the Association of Community Services (ACS); and county initiatives, committees and commissions.

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority/Iota Lambda Omega Chapter, Volunteer Team of the Year. The Howard County chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority fulfills the international service organization’s mission locally through continuous programs of service in a variety of human service areas including legal services, food insecurity, clothing needs and homelessness. In November 2017, ILO launched Howard County’s first Homeless Resource Fair, a one-stop resource event for the homeless population.

• Joan Webb Scornaienchi, Employee of the Year. As executive director of Howard County’s HC DrugFree since 2009, Joan Webb Scornaienchi has transformed the organization by building relationships, attracting new sources of funding, recruiting new partners and expanding services. She has been instrumental in educating residents and community leaders about the opioid epidemic and HC DrugFree’s educational campaign in English, Spanish, Korean and Arabic, and gets printed materials about opioids to those in need.

• Humanim’s Healthy Transitions Program, Employee Team of the Year. Humanim’s Healthy Transitions program was founded in 2015 to address the need for services for 16–25-year-olds with mental health concerns in Howard County. Using three evidence-based practices, including supported education, supported employment and psycho-social family education, Transition Facilitators work to assist program participants in successfully accomplishing critical life goals and living full, independent lives.

To purchase tickets and for more information, visit acshoco.org or call 443-518-7702.