The House Next Door
Nurturing Families. Building Communities.
UPDATES
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Client services are currently being offered both virtually and in person.
2025 Award Winners
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Emiko Gowan
2025 Cynthia Blomquist Quality Client Care Award Winner
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Cynthia Blomquist was the very first employee hired by The House Next Door. The history of our agency was positively shaped by her dedication, out-of-the-box thinking and exceptional work ethic. As the first employee she embraced the notion of supporting the family unit and believed in the power of the family structure. At the heart of work was her passion to always provide the highest quality of care to our clients. This passion continues to be present in her work today in the insurance field. Cynthia provided quality client care, before standards of care existed. Her passion laid the groundwork for what we today refer to as HND standard of care.
The Cynthia Blomquist Quality Client Care award was created to recognize and celebrate a staff member who has gone above and beyond to provide high quality care to our clients. The recipient of the Cynthia Blomquist Quality Client Care award must have demonstrated throughout the past year, dedication to providing high quality care, embraced meeting the client where they are, and helped the client decrease risk factors while increasing protective factors, combined with providing HND level of high standard of care.
This year’s recipient treats each client with the care they would give a family member. They find creative ways to uplift the entire family unit. Great care is given to meeting the client where they are and help them reach their full potential.
Alyssa LaMendola
2025 Ella Bryan HND Values Award Winner
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Ella Bryan dedicated her life to strengthening and supporting families. Working through The House Next Door and her church, she made a difference for thousands of families through the years. With a loving heart she listened to children, parents and staff with compassion, never passing judgement. Ella had a gift for seeing your potential and making you believe in it too. She was a tireless mentor, always there with an encouraging word and giving strength with her faith in you. If Ella was awake she working to make a change in her community and to strengthen the individuals who lived within it. A humble woman, she was always willing to extend her hand not only to help, but in friendship. Her passion and belief in each person’s value led her to a leadership position in the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association (FADAA) on the State level. She believed with all her heart that we would find the answers and make the needed changes working together – families, professionals, communities.
The Ella Bryan HND Values Award was created to recognize and celebrate a staff member who demonstrates our values. The recipient of the Ella Bryan HND Values Award must have demonstrated the following values: Family is the foundation, advocated for change, made a difference, instilled hope, listened with compassion, inspired growth, empowered our community and strength in diversity.
This year’s recipient not only demonstrates each of our values every single day, but leans into listening with compassion, even with the youngest of our clients. With their specialty training they make a difference with one of the most challenging dynamics a family can face, their child being sexually abused. Our recipient listens with compassion and instills hope to help these families heal and move forward. She patiently advocates for change and celebrates with her clients each of their successes.
Aaron Barnes
2025 Ann Grell Employee of the Year Award Winner
The Ann Grell Employee of the Year award was created to recognize an employee that goes above and beyond in all aspects of their job. Ann Grell Co-Founder and First Executive Director of HND was a pioneer in advocating for families. With a shoestring budget, a clear vision and a heart for her community, Ann laid a strong foundation for HND. After many years of leading the agency, she went back to school to obtain her masters in mental health from UCF and worked in our therapy department as a therapist and later as a supervisor. In every role that she has held, Ann is an inspirational force that lovingly encourages each of us to go above and beyond to better ourselves, our agency and our community.
This year’s recipient is a superstar in every sense of the word. Behind the scenes this employee makes the magic happen. When a hiccup or challenge appears they swiftly resolve it, often before the rest of us even knew there was a problem. We all heavily rely on their expertise and patience when our technology isn’t working as we need it to. Without him we’d all be lost. Our organization is stronger because of his thoughtful dedication to helping us reach excellence.
AdventHealth DeLand, rep. by Khelsea Bauer
Tom Robertson Community Business Investment Award
The Tom Robertson Community Business Investment award was created in recognition of Tom Robertson, who has dedicated decades of hours to establish an ongoing supporting Family Foundation for the longevity of The House Next Door. He provides monitoring and directing of foundation funds for growth and development. The successful growth of the Foundation’s assets over the years is the combination of donor gifts and prudent investing.
The recipient of the Tom Robertson Community Business Investment award must demonstrate, over a significant period of time, dedication to maintaining the financial viability of The House Next Door and its family services that promote the nurturing and empowering of families in our community.
The recipient of this year’s Tom Robertson Community Business Investment Award is AdventHealth DeLand, a true champion of community partnership and family well-being. For more than two decades, AdventHealth has demonstrated unwavering dedication to maintaining the financial viability of The House Next Door and its vital family services. Their commitment has helped nurture and empower countless families in our community.
Through generous donations, event sponsorships, and the invaluable contribution of board members, AdventHealth has strengthened our mission and expanded our reach. Their support extends beyond financial investment—they have sponsored families during the holiday season, ensuring that joy and hope are shared when it matters most.
AdventHealth’s long-standing partnership exemplifies what it means to invest in a better future for families. Their leadership and compassion have made a lasting impact, and we are honored to recognize them for their extraordinary commitment to building stronger communities.
Please join me in congratulating our 2025 Tom Robertson Community Business Investment award, to Advent Health.
Daniel Thorne
Gail Hallmon Champion of Families Award
The Gail Hallmon Champion of Families Award was created in recognition of Gail Hallmon, who has dedicated decades of volunteer hours to championing families in our community. Gail treats her volunteer work with as much importance and deserving the same level of commitment as her professional work. She spent many years championing families through her volunteer work with Parent Craft, as a Girl Scout Leader, taking PTA leadership positions, mission trip work with First Presbyterian Church, IDignity and countless other community events.
To be eligible for this award, the recipient must have demonstrated over a significant period of time, dedication to the promotion of nurturing and empowering families in our community, combined with community service geared toward families.
This year’s nominee exemplifies the spirit of the Gail Hallmon Champion of Families Award through decades of unwavering dedication to strengthening families and building community. Their service record reflects a lifetime commitment to nurturing and empowering families across West Volusia.
As a past Community Development Vice President for the DeLand Jaycees, they championed initiatives that fostered growth and support for local families. Their leadership extended to health and wellness through service on the West Volusia Heart Association Board and as a member of the United Way Allocations Committee, ensuring resources reached those most in need.
Their impact on civic life is equally impressive. A 22-year member and Past President of the DeLand Breakfast Rotary, they embody Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.” Their recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow +5 underscores their extraordinary contributions to humanitarian efforts.
Beyond organizational leadership, this nominee has consistently engaged in hands-on service. For the past six years, they have delivered weekly Meals on Wheels for the Volusia County Council on Aging, providing nourishment and companionship to seniors. For five years, they have led a team from the Debary Orange City SDA Church in preparing and serving monthly dinners at The Bridge, offering hope and hospitality to those in need.
Their commitment to family-centered causes is further demonstrated through board service with The Neighborhood Center and multiple terms on The House Next Door board, where they helped guide programs that strengthen family bonds and promote resilience.
This remarkable history of service reflects a deep and sustained dedication to the well-being of families in our community. Their leadership, compassion, and tireless efforts make them a truly deserving recipient of the Gail Hallmon Champion of Families Award.
Please join me in congratulating the 2025 Gail Hallmon Champion of Families award, Daniel Thorne
Libby Molesky
Cecil Paul and Maria Jones Community Hero Award
The Cecil Paul and Maria Jones Community Hero award was created in recognition of Paul and Maria Jones. The Jones’ have dedicated decades of volunteer hours meeting our community’s needs and have been steadfast supporters of The House Next Door.
The recipient of the Cecil Paul and Maria Jones Community Hero Award must have demonstrated over a significant period of time, dedication to the promotion of nurturing and empowering families in our community, combined with a strong sense of civic duty. Today, we honor a true pillar of our community—a person whose life’s work reflects an unwavering commitment to serving others. The Cecil Paul and Maria Jones Community Hero Award celebrate individuals who not only believe in service but live it every single day.
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Our recipient embodies that spirit in every way.
Our recipient has demonstrated, over decades, a steadfast dedication to nurturing and empowering families in our community, coupled with an extraordinary sense of civic duty. Her professional role as Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Planned Giving at Stetson University exemplifies her commitment to building strong connections and fostering generosity that benefits countless lives.
Beyond professional achievements, the commitment volunteer service speaks volumes. She currently serves as Treasurer of the DeLand Breakfast Rotary, where her leadership and passion for service have earned her the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow distinction—a testament to her impact and integrity.
Our recipient’s contributions have strengthened the fabric of our community, inspiring others to lead with compassion and purpose. Her tireless efforts remind us that true heroes are those who dedicate themselves to making life better for others.
Please join me in congratulating the recipient of the 2025 Cecil Paul and Maria Jones Community Hero Award, Libby Molesky