In a recent gesture of acknowledgment, State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves awarded the Heart of 31 Award to three women of Marion who've made significant strides in enriching their community, as reported by the Indiana House Republicans. The awards were handed out across two days, with Pam Leslie and Kelley Hochstetler honored at Marion Health and Brittney Shrout at the Marion Animal Care and Control shelter.
Leslie's longstanding contribution to Marion Health was highlighted, her role as the clinic's board secretary spans over two decades, having been instrumental in the initiation of the Bridges to Health free clinic, providing care and medications to thousands, Goss-Reaves appreciates Leslie for her unwavering dedication deemed crucial in sculpting the organization. Hochstetler, praised for her work with the local recovery community, holds the position of board chair at Bridges to Health and is celebrated for her deep involvement in enabling individuals to overcome adversity while securing access to quality healthcare which has, according to Goss-Reaves, left an indelible mark in Grant County.
Meanwhile, Brittney Shrout, whose influence at the Marion Animal Care and Control is nothing short of extraordinary, manages between 100 to 200 animals and is lauded for her all-hours commitment to their safety, coordinating with volunteers, including her own family, to ensure consistent care, Goss-Reaves acknowledges her work that extends to fostering needy animals, running a pet food pantry, and creatively instigating the "Loaning Love" program, a communal effort connecting college students with shelter pets.
These recipients, chosen from community nominations—Leslie and Hochstetler by Greg Maynard and Shrout by Wanda Williams Overman, have their efforts encapsulated by the Heart of 31 Award, which reflects the ethos Goss-Reaves had in mind when she announced the award; residents from House District 31 with an influential presence in the community and bring about positive change can be nominated through the district's official website, and eligibility can be confirmed using the "Find Your Legislator" tool listed on iga.in.gov. The recipients besides the honor receive a special certificate and are featured across Goss-Reaves' official media channels.
