CANFIELD — Warren resident Bernadette Bilick, who has worked for many years at the Northeast Ohio Children’s Rehabilitation Center in Howland, said making a difference for the children she sees each day is why she enjoys her job.

Her work with children at the rehab center was what made her the selection of the Hope Award for Lifetime Achievement Honoree of 2025, chosen by the Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Also honored in the top five of this year’s nominees were Pamela Brown of Youngstown with the Community Corrections Association, John Crowder of Newton Falls with Newton Falls Exempted Village Schools, Cheryl Ryan of Struthers with Struthers City Schools and James Sutman of Youngstown with Golden String Inc.

The foundation held its 13th annual recognition event at Waypoint 4180 in Canfield, where the five honorees were recognized for going above and beyond in what they do.

In 2014, the foundation started the award to recognize those individuals who made a difference in the community and worked to advance the mission of the foundation. Honorees are nominated by friends, family or peers.

Bilick said she has always been a doer.

“None of this would occur without the volunteers. I thank the families who allow me to be part of their families and to share their children with me so I can work with them and help them move forward in their lives. I love that God has placed those children in my care. They are the stars in my life. I love to see their smiling faces,” Bilick said.

Bilick has been with the rehab center for 41 years and is currently a physical therapist.

She said she thanked the other nominees for the “wonderful things they do out in their communities.”

Amber Bonilla, the 2024 HOPE Award Honoree, said the recognition she received helped her to inspire others to continue doing good works.

HONOREES

• After retiring from the auto industry with over 20 years of experience at General Motors, Brown chose to channel her knowledge, skills and compassion into a career in social work. Brown’s work extends beyond structured programs — she builds trust and genuine connections with the residents. She conducts group therapy sessions to discuss parenting, relationships and independence, preparing them for a world outside the system.

• Crowder, who has been a principal and director of transportation for Newton Falls Exempted Village Schools, said he has always had a passion for education and children. He started his career in 1985 and spent the past 40 years teaching and coaching, including high school principal in Newton Falls, where he developed programs to help students plan for careers after high school. He and his family have also provided a scholarship for college-bound students. Crowder said he was humbled to have been selected as a nominee. “This is what we all do on a daily basis. The kids I see each day are what inspires me to do what I do,” Crowder said.

• Ryan was actively involved in the Council for Exceptional Children at the local and state level. She became involved with the Special Olympics, fundraising and community service at Youngstown State University, as well as throughout Ohio. This elevated her love to work with all children. Her 36-year career in education spans a range of positions, including special education at the high school, eighth-grade language arts, seventh- and eighth-grade special education, second-grade and currently Title 1 math at the elementary level within Struthers City Schools.

• Sutman is the owner and operator of Iron and String Life Enhancement, a company that provides residential, respite, advocacy, transportation and vocational services to individuals with disabilities. He is also the daily director of Operations for Golden String, a nonprofit that helps clients realize their fullest potential through community-based activities, recreation and socialization. Golden String currently includes Joe Gallagher’s Lunch Bucket, a community cafe that is operated by adults with disabilities.

FOUNDER COMMENTS

Anthony Spano, founder of the foundation, said the honorees have done so much to better their communities.

Spano said he was overwhelmed by the gratitude and humility from the public in the nearly two decades of serving the foundation.

Spano said the foundation will mark 20 years in 2027.

He said the foundation honors those who give back not only to their communities but also to the chronically ill children of the Mahoning Valley.

He said the Game of Hope started in 2005, which led to the start of the Hope Foundation in 2007.

“Chronically and terminally ill children and their families have been able to find solace, hope and support in their darkest hours. We have been able to turn their dreams into reality thanks to you. To all of you who have helped by donations, volunteerism or just spreading the word about our cause over the years you have my deepest thanks,” Spano said.

The support has provided the assistance and resources children and their families need as they navigate challenges every day, especially in today’s world,” he said.

Also, Komara Jewelers is donating 10% of the proceeds of each sale at its store through May to the foundation.