The 2022 Dorothy Wilson Mabry Award in Recognition of Outstanding Accomplishments by a Healthy Start Participant or Grass-Roots Community Leader was presented at the January Coalition meeting to Courtney James, a Magnolia Project participant and community advocate.

Ms. James advocated for the right for all citizens living in Hill Top Village apartments to have better living conditions. She spoke before the Jacksonville City Council to advocate for better living conditions and told her story of the poor living conditions during an interview with Melanie Lawson during a Coalition meeting. Since that time, she continues to be a voice for women and children in her community.

This award is intended to recognize the outstanding efforts and accomplishments of a participant in the Healthy Start program or a grass-roots community leader. The award honors the legacy of Dorothy Wilson Mabry, a community volunteer and advocate, who devoted her life to supporting the empowerment and achievement of young women and vulnerable families. The Wilson Family provided a generous donation in honor of their mother which supports a stipend for the award recipient.