recognizing and celebrating the dedicated leaders who make a difference in our senior community

February 2026 Award Recipient

Mary Hesselschwerdt

New Horizons Disability Empowerment Center

Outreach Coordinator/Independent Living

The 18 New Horizon vehicles that you might have seen zipping around town put on 400,000 miles a year helping folks living with a disability get to the places they need to go. But the company does so much more than transportation. There’s a sign in Mary Hesselschwerdt’s office at New Horizons Disability Empowerment Center that says “Never, never, never give up.” Mary lives by these words. Her life changed dramatically after a car accident 50 years ago when she was 8 months pregnant with her son. For the last 25 years in her role as outreach coordinator/independent living at New Horizons, she has worked hard to help find resources and places to live for people in need. She’s proud of the work she does each day. “I might be a slow talker and slow at some things, but I get there and I get things done.” And while she is quick to lend a helping hand, she stresses that it’s not just a handout, she expects the people she is helping to do their part as well, including following up on the resources she sends them. She also wants to lead by example. “I have the drive to show them they can do it too.”

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What is the Hometown Halo Award?

The “Hometown Halo” award recognizes and celebrates the dedicated leaders who make a difference in our senior community.

The award is granted to one recipient every other month, selected from members of the SRN community who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the senior community

Hometown Halo Criteria

Candidate must have been working in Northern Arizona for over 1 year.
They work with their heart for the benefit of others.
They show in their work and personal lives: "Kindness in Action".
They are out in our communities promoting taking care of others.
They don't search for the limelight, but SNR wants to acknowledge their hard work.