Joy Schillingsburg is 2018’s Good Neighbor

The Wake Forest Human Relations Council  is pleased to announce Joy Shillingsburg as the 2018 Good Neighbor of the Year. Mayor Vivian Jones presented the award during Saturday’s Good Neighbor Day celebration at Holding Park.

Shillingsburg was nominated by Bob Hill, the Rev. Sarah Phelps and Spencer Renfrow. In their nomination narratives, all emphasized Shillingsburg’s tireless efforts for the benefit of the entire community.

“Her involvement spans all ages, providing both tangible and intangible benefits to residents and our greater community as a whole,” they wrote.

Hill, Phelps and Renfrow also highlighted several of Shillinsburg’s many contributions to Wake Forest:

*  A leader of “Backpack Buddies;”

*  Helped organize a community forum with General Assembly members on gun violence and gun safety at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church;

*  Organized and coordinated the “Summer Nutrition Program” with several local churches to provide food (serving over 1,400 meals) to ensure food was available, especially to children;

*  Partnered with the Wake Forest Northeast Community Coalition;

*  Helped implement the “Juneteenth” Celebration at Olive Branch Baptist Church;

*  Helped collect school supplies for the local “Backpack Giveaway” at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church and Olive Branch Baptist Church;

*  Helped build with Habitat for Humanity and the “MLK Day of Service”

* Organized a series of “Beloved Community” monthly meetings at St. John’s Episcopal Church (open to the community) focusing on racial justice and reconciliation

“Joy and her family have been Wake Forest residents for more than a decade, and her involvement as a ‘Good Neighbor’ is extensive,” noted Hill, Phelps and Renfrow. “There are certainly other things that could be added to the list above, but this list is indicative of the span and diversity of her contributions. Her efforts seek to preserve, maintain and enhance the ‘good neighbor spirit’ of Wake Forest. In addition, she engages others to be good neighbors.  It may be important to note that, uniquely, her contributions not only make her a good neighbor, they also serve to bring us all closer together as a community of good neighbors! Joy certainly embodies what being a ‘Good Neighbor’ is all about.”

The HRC solicits Good Neighbor of the Year nominations for one adult and one youth each year from April through August and announces the winners during Good Neighbor Day. This year, the HRC did not receive any submissions for the youth award.