2008 Honorees

Every year at its annual conference MASW recognizes Missourians who have made significant contributions to the progress of social justice in the state. Our honorees at our 108th Annual Conference, October 2008:

John DeGuire received the Elaine Aber Humanitarian Award

John DeGuire has been feeding the hungry and advocating on their behalf for over three decades. In 1977, John was co-founder of the Hosea House food pantry in the City of St. Louis. He served as Executive Co-Director from 1977 until 1982. During his tenure, Hosea House added 10 additional services which developed into the largest food pantry and emergency help center in the city at that time.

In 1982, John left Hosea House to set up a similar program in St. Louis County. John and his wife, Carol, co-founded Feed My People, a Christian, interdenominational help center. John and Carol served as Co-Executive Directors while the organization grew to become the largest food pantry in Metropolitan St. Louis. Feed My People serves neighbors in need from offices in two counties with over twenty-five programs designed to help them lift themselves out of poverty. They oversee a paid staff of 12, and 325 volunteers. Through the various programs, FMP provided help to almost 88,000 people in 2007; that number will likely be surpassed in 2008. Most recently, John was involved in the successful petition campaign to raise the state minimum wage. FMP has an active advocacy network of over 100 staff, volunteers, board members and clients who contact state and federal legislators on issues affecting the poor.

Barbara Ross received the Herman & Dorothy Johnson Local Advocate Award

Barbara Ross is a leader who is informed, articulate, creative and sincere in her commitment to the goals of MASW. In her position with the Social Concerns Office of the Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City, Barbara has a unique opportunity to help educate and mobilize the support of pastors, bishops and lay members for many of the legislative initiatives of MASW and our goals for human justice and positive change. She has sound judgment in debating sensitive issues, and areas of potential conflict. She knows the legislative process, the legislators, and the constituents. She has expert knowledge of the State’s tax policies and the reforms thereof. She is a leader in the Midwestern rural life movement that focuses beyond regional interests, protects the family farm, and supports food and environmental issues.

Tom Englehardt received a Special Lifetime Achievement Award

Tom Englehardt, during his long career as editorial cartoonist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, through his observations and art did consistently work for and uphold the common good of our state of Missouri.

Whenever greed and avarice, blind prejudice, or shortsighted and callous attitudes and policies threatened the fabric of social justice, Tom uniquely and elegantly expressed opposition to those conditions through the medium of this thought-provoking and entertaining works, which served to capture and crystallize outrage felt by those who envision a more just society.

Updated: 11/09/2009