The Bismarck Human Relations Committee has selected Lynnette Horn as the recipient of the 2017 Humanitarian Award. Each year the Bismarck Human Relations Committee Humanitarian Award honors an individual, business or organization that has exhibited leadership in the areas of human and civil rights with a focus upon recognizing those that educate, identify and address human rights issues.
Lynnette was nominated and selected because of her numerous efforts as a tireless advocate for individuals with disabilities and as a mentor to staff and countless members of the community. Lynnette, is the Director of Community Based Services at Anne Carlsen Center, Bismarck and currently serves on the AKtion Club Kiwanis Program for Adults with Disabilities. She also serves on the local Behavior Supports Committee to ensure fair and authorized restrictions are utilized, and within the agency is actively involved with the Human Rights Committee to ensure all individuals served, staff and community members are educated about their universal rights. Lynnette was nominated by Ashley Toth, supervisor, who said that, “Lynnette has become a well-known advocate for individuals with disabilities and has earned the respect and gratitude of those for whom and with she serves, her church family, neighborhood residents and her peers at Anne Carlsen Center.”
Mayor Seminary and members of the Bismarck Human Relations Committee congratulated Lynnette for her tireless volunteerism both internally within her organization and externally in the community on behalf of the Anne Carlsen Center and the individuals served by sharing the organization’s mission and goals with them. “You make our community a better place in which to live because of what you do as an advocate for individuals with disabilities," said Mayor Seminary.
The Anne Carlsen Center’s mission is to make independence a gift for all. Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) is a non-profit organization which has been providing supports and services for 75 years to individuals in North Dakota with developmental disability or delay. Rich in tradition, ACC has positioned itself on the cutting edge of innovation with unique programs, creative therapies and advanced assistive technologies. The Anne Carlsen Center offers educational, residential, therapeutic, evaluation, and community-based services.
Dr. Anne Carlsen, the center’s namesake and former administrator, believed in the worth of every individual. Throughout her life she exemplified strength and nurturing, advocating for individuals with disabilities, and teaching them how to advocate for themselves, while creating a life of independence.
The mission of the Bismarck Human Relations Committee is to protect and promote the personal dignity of all Bismarck citizens and eliminate any discriminatory barriers that prevent them from reaching their full human potential.