Joni Lavick, MFT and Mickie Robbins, MFT were the first to be honored in what has been decided to be one of the most important events that LAGPA offers during the year. Held at Beth Chayem Chadashim, the ceremony maintained that these two women have, as Stuart Altshculer, MFT, the Master of Ceremonies stated, "made such a commitment to supporting the GLBT community for so long." They are the two most natural persons to honor. As Altshculer went on to say, "Neither are lesbians-they have both been there for our brothers and sisters, for their brothers and sisters."

As Greg Travis, PhD commented, in his presentation to Lavick, he simply opened with, "She’s a biggie!" She has been a director of mental health at the Gay and Lesbian Center for three years, before which she was constantly at the forefront of our community’s efforts in mental health.

As Lavick accepted her award, she opened her remarks with, "I would not be here if not for this community." She offered that perspective is so interesting, by asking the question, "What is it that we do? We sit in rooms with people and hear them talk. We are supposed to create this psychic bandage. There is no softer tissue than the heart and soul. There is no tissue which takes longer to heal than soft tissue."

As she recounted that the many years of service have indeed effected her personally, she stated that they effect us all, and the people we serve do have an effect upon us. "We become master accommodators, we sit in rooms and see what they could be."

As she continued her remarks concerning the effect this work has upon us, she stated that what it is that keeps us in this line of work and keeps up our enthusiasm is, "They share with us their worlds, their personal philosophies, and we get perks from sharing these worlds. I’m nosy, maybe even voyeuristic! But when someone in our office gets the ‘a-ha’ moment, something about that is very special."

As Marge Martin and Lillene Fifield, LCSW opened their remarks in introducing Mickie Robbins, MFT, they shared with those gathered the many experiences of their personal friendship with Robbins, and how the years have provided many opportunities to develop a deep bond, especially through the grief of loss.

In her acceptance remarks, Robbins shared the story of Paul, a gentleman whom she had known for so many years, starting in his youth, who had even babysat her children. He died in August of 1987, after having contracted AIDS. He had returned to his home in Hermosa Beach to die. Robbins stated that she would never be the same after his death, and in her grief, she soon realized that there was no training for mental health professionals in dealing with HIV. This caused her frustration and anger to become motivation for action. In her comments, Robbins shard with the assembled the empowering effect of her family’s support in the years she has been in practice, especially in her recent position as director of social services at South Bay Free Clinic, and in her former position as Pacific Center Program Supervisor with AIDS Project, Los Angeles. Her children in attendance to see her receive this award was identified as a particularly special blessing, as they have seen her "evolve through the years."

The ceremony was also the opportunity to present Commendations from the City Los Angeles, City of West Hollywood, and the State Assembly, recognizing the many years of service rendered by both women. The awards presented were donated by Anderson Trophy Company, and LAGPA is grateful to these person and those who contributed to the afternoon, especially in the reception that followed.

The Annual Community Service Award is seen as a valuable opportunity for LAGPA to encourage and support those who are key figures in the GLBT mental health community, and will be preparing for the second event, to be held in Spring of next year. Please be sure to forward to Stuart Altschuler, MFT any persons names whom you believe should be considered for this award, and join us next year for the ceremony.