June Hunt's Hope for the Heart Wins Lilly Reintegration Award
The international Christian counseling ministry led by author and speaker June Hunt is the first-place recipient of the 2008 Lilly Reintegration Award in the Social Support category.
"I am deeply honored to receive this award on behalf of the dedicated staff family at Hope for the Heart, whose everyday ministry brings biblical hope and practical help to those of need of answers," expressed Hunt in a public announcement.
Since 1986, Hope for the Heart has been running with a two-fold mission – to provide Bible-based counsel to renew minds, heal hearts and bring hope to the hurting, while empowering Christians to disciple others.
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The ministry has been endorsed by a wide range of Christian leaders including Rick Warren, Richard Land, Charles Stanley, and Vonette Bright. Today, it offers hope and help through biblically-based counsel and encouragement to people in 26 countries.
"Her (Hunt's) advice draws on the tenets of true reintegration – stressing the importance of individuals connecting with the community for a sense of belonging, and encouraging personal accountability and responsibility, commented Dr. Ralph Aquila, chairperson of the Lilly Reintegration Awards committee. "Perhaps most important, she does not quickly move from one caller to the next."
Established 12 years ago by Eli Lilly and Company, the Lilly Reintegration Awards recognize mental health professionals and individuals with severe mental illness for their exceptional contributions and achievements.
In the past dozen years, over 150 individuals and programs have been honored.
"Each year we are delighted to recognize the Lilly Reintegration Award honorees as they play an integral part in assisting those with severe mental illness achieve their goals," said Deirdre Connelly, president of U.S. Operations for Eli Lilly and Company.
"Practically speaking, without these professionals who work tirelessly to create opportunities and resources for the mentally ill, reintegration into society would not be an option for most patients," added Dr. Aquila, who oversees the judging panel comprised of mental health professionals.
Each year, the panel reviews the pool of applications and selects the honorees based on the scope and reach of programs, services and achievements. The recipients in each category receive grants to their particular programs to advance their success. First place recipients receive a $5,000 grant and second place recipients receive a $2,500 grant.
Hunt, who founded Hope for the Heart and serves as the CEO and CSO (Chief Servant Officer), is a popular guest professor at colleges and seminaries and a sought-after conference speaker. She has also written numerous books, including the popular devotional, Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes, as well as and Healing the Hurting Heart and Bonding with Your Teen through Boundaries, which presents creative approaches to help parents tackle 35 of the most challenging situations they face with their teenagers.
Hunt's award-winning "Hope For The Heart" broadcast is heard daily on approximately 120 stations across America.
