Community Hospice & Palliative Care proudly honored two remarkable individuals at the 2025 Community Servant’s Heart Award Ceremony on Thursday, June 26, at The Village at Gainesville. This year’s event celebrated the inspiring contributions of Jacob Atem and Tracey Brown, whose tireless commitment to service, education, and community empowerment embodies the spirit of the Community Servant’s Heart Award. Alongside these recipients, the late Mrs. Shirley Bloodworth was honored in memoriam for her countless good works.
The Community Servant’s Heart Award recognizes individuals whose actions reflect loyalty, compassion, and a transformative dedication to the communities they serve. Guests gathered to pay tribute to the honorees and the legacy of Shirley Bloodworth, a beloved healthcare pioneer and advocate for senior well-being and civic engagement in Gainesville.
Jacob Atem, one of the original Lost Boys of Sudan, is a global public health advocate and co-founder of the Southern Sudan Healthcare Organization. After surviving a traumatic childhood marked by war, displacement, and extreme adversity, Atem has channeled his experience into a career of purpose—advancing refugee health, advocating for underserved populations, and educating future public health professionals. His work bridges continents, cultures, and causes with a deep focus on refugee integration and health equity.
Tracey Brown, a local community advocate and housing strategist, has played an integral role in transforming lives in Gainesville. From his frontline work with Grace Marketplace to his leadership with the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Tracey has helped over 1,000 individuals secure stable housing. He also champions youth mentorship and reentry support for formerly incarcerated individuals. His empathy, experience, and dedication to uplifting others define his powerful impact on the community.
The award was presented in loving memory of Shirley Bloodworth, a trailblazing nurse, educator, and civic leader whose decades of work enriched the lives of countless seniors. Her advocacy for advance care planning, her leadership at the Citizens Coalition on Aging, and her unyielding dedication to community education set a standard of service that continues to inspire.
Community Hospice & Palliative Care extends heartfelt gratitude to all who attended and supported the 2025 Community Servant’s Heart Award event. The evening was a powerful reminder that one person’s passion can ripple outward to change many lives.