ROCKLAND — The Rockland Rotary Club held its annual 2021 Change of Command dinner at the Elks Lodge on Friday, June 18, 2021. During the evening’s event, the club announced that Stephanie Primm, the executive director of the Knox County Homeless Coalition, was the recipient of the club’s 2021 Community Person of the Year Award.

Rockland Rotary Club’s 2020 President Butch Worcester presented Stephanie with the award.

“Our club believes deeply in service above self,” said Butch, in a Rotary news release of the event. “We’re honored to support Stephanie’s relentless work in our community protecting the unhoused. As donors for KCHC, our club looks forward to continuing support of Stephanie and her work.”

Incoming 2021 Rockland Rotary President Melissa Bellew praised Primm’s work ethic and passion.

“Stephanie’s heart is enormous,” said Bellew. “She leads her team and our community in the understanding the housing and shelter are human rights and public health issues. Our club is proud to support KCHC’s powerful efforts in supporting the unhoused.”

“We are deeply grateful for the support of the Rockland Rotary Club and all of its members,” said Primm. “Their support of KCHC has been invaluable to our capacity to help our most vulnerable since day one of re-opening the Hospitality House Family Shelter in 2014. Our work and mission is in such wonderful alignment – saving and changing lives! The mission can only be fulfilled with the support of committed community organizations like Rockland Rotary.”

Primm offered an additional comment. “It is an honor and privilege to have received Rockland Rotary Club’s Community Person of The Year Award. It is humbling to receive this acknowledgment from such an excellent group. Together we will keep saving and changing lives in our community.”

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Rockland Rotary Club meets on Wednesdays at noon at the Elks Lodge on Rankin Street, Rockland. Join us!