SU's Heim Receives Jefferson Award
By SU Public Relations
SALISBURY, MD---Sara Heim, assistant director of ShoreCorps, Salisbury University’s AmeriCorps affiliate, has dedicated her life to community service.
At SU’s recent Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (PACE) Showcase, Heim was a surprise recipient of the Jefferson Award. Presented locally by WBOC, the honor celebrates the best and brightest in the world of public service who put others ahead of themselves.
“Sara is the perfect recipient of the Jefferson Award,” said Dr. Sandy Pope, PACE and ShoreCorps director. “She’s dedicated her life and work to helping others, but what she really does is help people find a sense of community and purpose together. In the AmeriCorps world we talk about ‘esprit de corps’ – a sense that you are part of something bigger than yourself. Sara lives that every day and brings that to the people in our program. She helps all of us, together, make the world a better place.”
Heim’s efforts began as an SU student in 2008, when she joined ShoreCorps. After a few years away from the University, she came back to help lead the program in 2013, a role she has thrived in for the past 12 years.
In her current position, Heim supports some 200 ShoreCorps members each year, guiding them through their outreach efforts throughout the Delmarva Peninsula.
“Her leadership goes beyond management,” her nomination said. “She cares deeply for her members and offers mentorship, support and a genuine investment in their wellbeing.”
In addition to planning and coordinating logistics for ShoreCorps sites and participants, she also is well known as a rock for members. She has helped them find affordable housing and financial assistance for essential needs, and often provides emotional support.
Heim played a key role in launching Food for the Flock, SU’s campus food pantry, and is a staff leader for SU’s Student United Way program.
“For me, the award is a reflection of what AmeriCorps members do every single day — dedicating their time, energy and passion to strengthening our communities and growing the capacity of our local nonprofits,” she said. “The work I do in helping them succeed is incredibly rewarding.”
She also carries her giving efforts into her own community, apart from her time at SU, as an active member of the Friends of Wicomico County Parks Committee.
For more than 50 years, the Jefferson Awards have honored those who put others first. Those receiving the accolades are empowered to do more, while their stories of extraordinary public service often inspire others to action.
For more information, visit the Jefferson Awards website.
Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at the SU website.