Once again, just a few of the many kind words shared by those that have worked side by side with Jennie and care for Bobbie and the Eblen family.
"On behalf of Children First/Communities in Schools, it's an honor to be able to express our gratitude for Jennie and all that she has contributed to the organization and to our community. Jennie was a visionary Children First/Communities in Schools board member that played a key role in our 2017 strategic planning process to chart a new direction for our policy advocacy capacity and know-how. She has been a tireless champion for direct-service nonprofits to get off the sidelines and get into the policy advocacy arena. This led her to being a trainer through WNC Nonprofit Pathways for other boards to build their own advocacy capacity and plans. We are grateful for her voice, support, and leadership that challenges us all to do our part to help all children thrive." - Natasha Adwaters, Executive Director Children First/Communities in Schools and Greg Borom, Director of Advocacy
“Jennie’s contribution to the survival, then the expansion and ultimately the thriving of the YWCA cannot be overstated. When the clouds were the darkest for the YWCA’s future she was a rock and continued to be a light! Steeped in the mission – empowering women and eliminating racism – Jennie was stalwart in her commitment. No matter how large or small the task, from gathering auction items to staff appreciation efforts to board cultivation to YWCA USA participation to leading our advocacy work, Jennie epitomized a servant leader. Her immense caring for her community, particularly its vulnerable children, is palpable and also contagious. Jennie Eblen has made our community a more just, more compassionate, and a more hopeful place. We are all greatly blessed to have been touched by her goodness.” - Holly Jones, Former Executive Director YWCA
"I met Jennie almost 30 years ago when I started working for United Way. She was involved on so many levels -as a volunteer in the funding arena, as an ambassador in the Children First initiative that United Way spearheaded, as a leader in getting 211 up and running, and on countless boards of nonprofits in the community that address the needs (and empowerment) of women and children. She has consistently been a calm, cool, collected, prepared, thoughtful, and engaged leader. She has made it her full-time mission to empower and improve the lives of women and children in WNC. She is a woman I have always admired and respected and I am thrilled that she and her family have been chosen to receive this award." - Robin Stickney, Former Director of NC 211
“The Eblen family’s activism and heart for our community, led by Joe and Bobbie, is legendary. Jennie may have inherited her sense of altruism, though she has acquired a distinctive legacy of her own. In all situations, I can visualize Jennie’s wisdom and her genuine, unassuming and reassuring manner.” - Jim Stickney, IV President of ISA, UWABC Board Chair 2005 -2007
"Jennie Eblen is foundational. I have worked on and off with Jennie for over 30 years. I can't recall when we first met, but I am sure it was around advocating for children, perhaps with the Youth Services Action Group. Jennie is consistent and persistent -- qualities critical for speaking out on behalf of those who feel powerless or voiceless. She is fearless, never hesitating to face opposition or apathy about any topic that affects children, women, people in poverty, and nonprofits striving to help them. Jennis is a fierce ally you want on your side. She has made me a better person and United Way a better organization. Above all, she has made this a better community for folks who may not even know who she is, but have found success through her support for strong services to families." -Ann Von Brock, Retired VP of Community Investments
