Reinhold Klein Award

Rev. Reinhold Klein was one of the three founders of the Retirement Housing Foundation.  Historical documents reveal his steadfast vision, dedication, time, and financial sacrifices made to preserve the foundation during turbulent times.  This award is created in his honor.

The Reinhold Klein Award is given to an RHF team member who has displayed a strong sense of commitment and dedication to the welfare of all the programs and events for the furtherance of the RHF Mission over and above normal requirements.

2021 Reinhold Klein Award

Judy Shaw
Director of Social Service Coordination

Judy Shaw retired in June of 2020, after working for more than 25 years in various positions at the national headquarters.

Only a few people at RHF have had a bigger impact on this organization than Judy.

Judy was crucial in the implementation of RHF’s Service Coordinator Program and now more than 100 communities have a Social Service Coordinator on staff.

Project H.A.N.D.S. was the brainchild of Judy.  It has done more to create goodwill in the cities and towns our communities are located in than anything else RHF has done.  It has been a universal language that has brought diverse cultures together within our communities with a common goal and it has helped our residents realize that, even though they have retired and may be getting older, they still have so much more to contribute to the world they live in.

While Project HANDS began as a group of residents getting together to knit, sew and crochet a variety of items such as hats, scarves, gloves and blankets, it soon morphed into projects that reflected the personality of the community – residents were making cards to put in their local Meals on Wheels food boxes; assembling hygiene kits for their local homeless shelters; working with other non-profit community groups to supply elementary school children with book bags and school supplies.

Judy also started RHF’s Christmas gift–giving program (which is now known as ‘Unwrap a Smile’) for children who live in RHF communities.  That program has now grown to provide more than 1600 children living in an RHF community with a gift under their Christmas tree – because of the generosity of RHF staff and residents – in some instances it may be the only gift they have under their tree.

Few people in this world can say that they have made a difference in the lives of tens of thousands . . . and few of those she’s impacted even know her name.

RHF is pleased to honor Judy Shaw with the Reinhold Klein Award.

Congratulations to our previous Reinhold Klein Awardees

2019 – Cheryl Howell, VP – Administrative Services, Executive Assistant to Dr. Joseph and Assistant Corporate Secretary