Engaged in Action Awards Recognize Honorees in Douglas County
The 2026 Engaged in Action Awards recently recognized individuals and organizations in Douglas County who exemplify the mission and values of our coalition.
These awards are given in three categories which celebrate organizations, adults, and youth in our community. The 2026 nominees included:
Organizations
ALIVE Inc.
Lawrence Schools Foundation
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office & Lawrence-Douglas County Public Heath Collaboration
Van Go
Adults
Officer Anthony Harvey - Lawrence KS Police Department
Chief Rich Lockhart - Lawrence KS Police Department
Denise Rader - Douglas County CASA
Dr. Kelsey Dachman - Center for Supportive Communities
George Diepenbrock - Douglas County Sheriff's Office
Risa Williams - Heartland Community Health Center
Sheri Lemonds - Douglas County CASA
Tawnya Bettis - USD 497 Lawrence Unified School District
Undersheriff Stacy Simmons - Douglas County Sheriff's Office
Sarah Landry - Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health Department
Dustin Moore - Artists Helping the Homeless
Youth
Phoebe Myers - Lawrence Free State High School
“Thank you so much to Engage Douglas County for this honor. We are deeply grateful to be recognized alongside so many individuals and organizations doing important work in our community.
At Van Go, we believe that every young person deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported. Through meaningful work, creative expression, caring relationships, and access to behavioral health services, we strive to help youth build confidence and resilience while knowing they have a place where they belong.
This recognition belongs to our staff, our community partners, and most importantly, the young people we have the privilege of working with every day. Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping make Douglas County a stronger, healthier community.”
All of the honorees empower Douglas County to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives, and together through our collective effort we can actively reduce substance misuse and promote mental health across our community. Whether you are recognized or not, your efforts to improve the lives of others do not go unnoticed and you are the driving force behind our local prevention infrastructure and community well-being!
