Tierra Receives the John Anson Ford Human Relations Award!

Tierra was honored to receive the John Anson Ford (JAF) Human Relations award for our inclusive pathways to employment and arts engagement at the 48th Annual JAF reception on Thursday, March 20, in Downtown Los Angeles.

Named for a long-time human relations leader in Los Angeles County, since 1972 the annual John Anson Ford Human Relations Awards have identified and honored human relations champions.  Each year, nominees for seven awards are considered. Five of the awards are for outstanding human relations projects and programs throughout the County — one for each of the five County Supervisorial Districts. In addition, the John Allen Buggs Leadership Award honors a public official for human relations advocacy and leadership. And the Yvonne B. Burke Courage Award honors an individual for bold, dauntless action to advance human relations.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger of the 5th District shared, “Congratulations to Tierra del Sol Foundation for your well-deserved recognition as our Fifth District honoree at the John Anson Ford Human Relations Awards! Your commitment to support, uplift, and equip people with developmental disabilities truly changes lives.”

Monica Banken, Policy Deputy for Barger’s office shared, “Tierra’s artists are exhibiting locally, nationally, and globally. Every day, Tierra is helping people with disabilities to thrive! I am so honored to be here today to award them for their inclusive pathways to employment and arts engagement.”

Kevork Keushkerian, Commissioner for the 5th District, also shared, “I had a vested interest in the Tierra del Sol Foundation as Sarkis, my brother, who passed away three years ago, used to go to their facility in Sunland. His drawings and paintings were exhibited collectively in different venues. He was taken to City Hall, where he was awarded a certificate of appreciation. Thank you, Tierra del Sol Foundation.”

Congratulations to all of this year’s JAF honorees and many thanks to Supervisor Barger, her team, and the Los Angeles Human Relations Commission for this prestigious recognition. We are humbled, honored, and motivated to continue pushing forward, creating a more inclusive world where people with disabilities are valued for all they can do, seen for who they truly are, and respected for all they bring to the table.