Scotland Health Receives Habitat for Humanity’s First-Ever Community Partnership of the Year Award

Scotland Health was honored this week with the 2025 Community Partnership of the Year Award, presented by Habitat for Humanity of Scotland County. Representatives from Habitat visited the Gregory C. Wood Building on Tuesday afternoon to present the award during Scotland Health’s monthly leadership meeting, where a standing-room-only crowd was on-hand to celebrate the milestone.

This marks the first time Habitat for Humanity of Scotland County has ever presented the award.

During the presentation, Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Ed Lemieux commended Scotland Health for its deep-rooted commitment to community impact, collaboration, and service—qualities he described as the “true pillars of partnership.”

“We’re honored to present Scotland Health with the first-ever Community Partnership of the Year Award,” Lemieux said. “You model what partnership should look like and inspire others to join in the work of supporting our neighbors. Your leadership, volunteerism, and advocacy make a powerful difference.”

Lemieux highlighted several examples of Scotland Health’s dedication, including last year’s Summer of Hope initiative. Scotland Health helped mobilize the community to double Habitat’s repair resources, allowing the program to complete eight critical home repairs, surpassing the original goal of five.

These repairs ranged from roof and structural issues to mold remediation—projects that restored safety, stability, and dignity for families at risk of displacement.

“With your help, eight families now rest in comfort and safety,” Lemieux noted. “But most importantly, they rest with a renewed sense of hope.”

During the presentation, the Scotland Health engineering team received special acknowledgement for their swift and heartfelt assistance to a local resident, an 85-year-old woman.  When Habitat learned that her only accessible ramp had been broken for an extended period, leaving her dependent on family members to carry her in and out of her home, the engineering team quickly stepped in. Using an unused disability ramp from the Scotland Health campus, staff helped dismantle, transport, and reinstall the structure at her home.

The moment was deeply moving, not only for the resident, but for the volunteers and staff who witnessed her tears of gratitude.

As he presented the award, Lemieux emphasized Habitat’s intention to recognize Scotland Health with something more meaningful than a standard trophy. The award, custom-made for the occasion, bears a message that captures the spirit of the partnership: “In honor of hands that never ask applause—only the next task.”

Scotland Health leadership expressed gratitude for the recognition and reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting community partners in their shared mission to strengthen the region.

Both organizations expressed excitement for the continued work ahead, with Habitat anticipating even greater impact through expanded partnerships and community engagement in 2026.