The Community Foundation of Broward is proud to honor 12 representatives of dedicated nonprofits who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic. Our new Hidden Heroes Awards shine a light on 12 outstanding examples of bold impact by individuals who make life better in our community.
Timothy Curtin is one of the real-life superheroes who are stepping up to help in Broward, just when our community needs them the most.
Timothy’s heroic efforts have enabled Broward residents to receive new online counseling and other virtual support services during the pandemic. And he championed efforts to provide donated household supplies such as food, masks, diapers and even laptops to families in need.
As Memorial Healthcare System’s Executive Director for Community Services, Timothy almost overnight found innovative ways to shift his 115-employee department to provide telehealth services. Timothy worked tirelessly to ensure that Memorial’s clients – ranging from children to seniors – could participate in online counseling, support groups, case management and other vital health services.
To combat senior isolation, Timothy and his team developed new virtual events through its ALLIES program, such as weekly sing-a-longs, chair exercise classes, anxiety management support groups and more.
And to safely boost outreach efforts, Timothy created a “Front Porch Support” delivery model to make sure that Memorial’s clients were cared for and connected to support services. To make it happen, his team drove to clients’ homes to drop off household supplies and to just share a wave and a smile.
During the first seven months of the pandemic, Timothy’s bold efforts helped Broward residents receive:
- 2,800 hours of clinical therapy, counseling and maternal-child supportive services through telehealth
- 22 tons of food
- 3,500 masks and 4,000 gloves
- 1,500 adult diapers and 5,000 baby diapers
- 600 backpacks for elementary students
- and much, much more.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic, Tim and his group have stepped up to do an incredible job,” said Nina Beauchesne, Memorial Healthcare System Executive Vice President. “And Tim always does it with a smile. He’s always there to help people. Tim Curtin is a hero every day.”
The Community Foundation’s Prize Patrol recently surprised Timothy with a cape and medal, symbolizing his heroic community service. And like our other Hidden Heroes Award winners, Timothy received a prize package that includes $500, restaurant gift certificates and a two-night staycation at the beautiful Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach hotel.
Timothy said he accepted the Hidden Heroes Award on behalf of all the Memorial employees dedicated to “filling the needs of the community that we all so proudly serve.”
“Find what you love. Do what you love. And love what you do,” Timothy said. “My secret is that I really, really love what I do.”
Timothy is just one example of the many nonprofit hidden heroes all across our community whose hard work helps shape a brighter future for Broward. And thanks to support from philanthropists with charitable Funds at the Community Foundation, these hidden heroes can continue to tackle Broward’s big challenges – during this crisis and beyond.
Click here to see a video of Timothy being surprised with his Hidden Hero Award.
Click here to learn more about the Community Foundation of Broward’s Hidden Heroes Award winners.
To learn how the Community Foundation can help you fuel heroic, life-changing philanthropy in Broward, contact Vice President of Philanthropic Services Nancy Thies at nthies@cfbroward.org or 954-761-9503.
