09/10/2026
Hope resident Helen Byers, director of the local Hope in Action emergency housing shelter, was presented the Andrea Darby Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Harvest Regional Food Bank Hunger Action Luncheon, held September 1 in Texarkana.
Helen, pictured with members of the HIA Board of Directors, was presented the beautiful award for her almost 25 years of volunteer service to HIA. Presenting the award was Harvest Regional Food Bank CEO/Executive Director Camille Wrinkle, who said she was very familiar with Helen's long-term volunteer care for the unhoused and hungry of the Hope community.
Prior to serving in her current position, Mrs. Byers served 24 years with School of Hope, now Rainbow of Challenges, as director of ROC Enterprise, formerly known as Sheltered Workshop.
HIA directors who attended the Hunger Action Luncheon with Helen are (from left) retired former director of the HIA food bank Mae Dulaney, Mike Malek, HIA Executive Director Paul Henley, Food Bank Director Sherry Hamilton, and (not pictured) Twyla Pruden. Directors not present are Freddie Smith, Val Knight, Casey Curtis and Craig Tomlinson.
The Hunger Action Luncheon is an annual event in recognition of September as Hunger Action Month, dedicated to driving awareness and inspiring action to help end hunger nationally and locally. Hope in Action provides temporary safe shelter, meals, basic needs, and essential support to individuals and families facing food insecurity and homelessness in Hempstead County.
Congratulations, Helen, on a well-deserved award!
