LIBERTY - New Hope Community, a not-for-profit organization providing services and supports to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, has named staff member and Liberty resident Terrell Epps as the 2021 recipient of its prestigious Maxine Belson Award. This honor is in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the people he supports, through innovative and meaningful leisure and social activities.

“Terrell is an outstanding member of our team and we are very pleased to recognize his contributions to our organization. He has an extremely positive outlook and a gift for encouraging people to participate in activities that not only bring them joy but enable them to grow as individuals,” said Debra J. McGinness, Chief Executive Officer of New Hope Community.

Epps is a Direct Support Professional 2 (DSP2) who, for the past seven years, splits his time working with residents in New Hope Community’s homes, in the organization’s Without Walls (WOW) community-based recreation programs, and as a Special Olympics coach. He embodies the qualities exhibited by the award’s namesake, Maxine Belson, a passionate advocate whose tenacity for encouraging everyone to lead full, vibrant lives continues to benefit the men and women of New Hope Community today.

Epps’ kind and enthusiastic demeanor equips him for the role he plays in encouraging people to reach their personal best. When New Hope’s golf coach and founder of the golf program Taylor Van Keuren left the organization this year, Epps stepped up to learn more about the sport in his spare time and accepted the coaching role. In doing so, he ensured continuity for the group of New Hope’s men and women golfers who enjoy the sport and practice regularly, with the hope that competitions will again take place soon.

“I learned a lot about the game, but as a DSP and coach I also learn so much from the people I support,” Epps said.

The award was presented at New Hope Community in June, with colleagues cheering Terrell on virtually, as Brianne Goldstein, daughter of Maxine Belson, shared a few words about her mother and applauded Epps’ achievements.