LIMA — It was 20 years ago, nearly to the day, that Bobbie Nevarez was just hoping to return to life as normal.
Nevarez was leaving prison after a 10-year stay for embezzlement. The last thing she imagined was that 20 years from that date, she would be standing before a crowd being recognized as a shining example to her community.
However, that was exactly what happened with Nevarez Tuesday when she was named as the Lima-area representative to go to Washington, D.C., for the 2017 Jefferson Awards to be held in June.
When her name was announced, Nevarez approached with her had over her mouth in disbelief.
“I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart,” Nevarez said. “All I can say is thank you.”
Nevarez was released in 1997 and has since spent her life doing whatever she can to help others. Nevarez has been instrumental with Restoration House. From her time working with the organization, it has grown from one house to four homes. There are two houses for men, one for women and another for veterans and people with special needs. The homes help people pick up the pieces one step at a time to restore their dignity. Some of the help includes drug addiction, alcohol abuse, mental illness or people leaving incarceration.
Nevarez said it is important to make sure people in bad situations have hope.
“I remember 20 years ago leaving that prison,” Nevarez said. “My son and many of the volunteers that helped me were waiting there for me. I see how people helping others has changed me. The good Lord has made it possible that I can see inside people and help. As I learn more about the Lord, the more I wanted to do what he wanted me to do.”
Nevarez said when she is sitting across from someone in need of help, it reminds her of where she once was.
“I never forget who I was,” Nevarez said. “Its just who I am, what I am. Thank God for the change in me. I apologize for anyone I hurt in any way.”
The other winners included Tom Ahl, Esther Baldridge, Debbie Boquist, Debbie Helser, Mary Chambers Monford, Mitchell Monfort and Jessie Roark. Each winner received $350 to donate to the organization of their choice. An additional $700 was awarded to Nevarez for being selected. Alberta Lee made the donations, and the event was also sponsored by Husky Lima Refinery, Your Hometown Lima Stations, The Lima News and the United Way of Greater Lima.
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