News + Insights
Congratulations Brighter Futures Awardees!
December 2, 2025
Brighter Futures Celebration Spotlights All-Star Individuals and Partners
On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Easterseals Redwood hosted its annual Brighter Futures Celebration—an inspiring awards ceremony held on Giving Tuesday at the American Sign Museum. Each year, this event shines a light on individuals and partners whose stories reflect the heart of our mission: empowering children and adults with disabilities, people facing economic disadvantages, and military veterans to live full, meaningful lives.
The 2025 celebration honored five outstanding award recipients whose achievements, perseverance, and generosity are helping build brighter futures across our community.
2025 Brighter Futures Award Recipients
- Outstanding Community Partner: The Farmer Family Foundation
- Independence Award: Karena Girten
- Growing Abilities Award: Lucy B.
- Spirit of Easterseals Redwood Award: Diamond Snowden
- Upward Mobility Award: Bentley Edwards
Growing Abilities Award: Lucy B.
The Growing Abilities Award recognizes individuals who are achieving milestones beyond expectations—and Lucy B. is doing just that.
Lucy has attended Easterseals Redwood’s childcare program in Ft. Mitchell since she was just 14 months old. Now age three, she is absolutely thriving. Through our holistic approach to childcare, Lucy has grown physically, emotionally, and socially, building skills and confidence every step of the way. Her progress is a powerful reminder of what early, inclusive support can make possible.
Spirit of Easterseals Redwood Award: Diamond Snowden
The Spirit of Easterseals Redwood Award honors individuals who serve as role models and bring positivity to everyone around them—and Diamond Snowden truly lives up to his name.
Diamond came to Easterseals Redwood at age 18 and has been employed with Kroger for 11 years. His strong work ethic, upbeat attitude, and genuine kindness have made him a favorite among customers and staff alike. Diamond’s journey reflects dedication, pride in work, and the power of long-term support.
Upward Mobility Award: Bentley Edwards
The Upward Mobility Award recognizes individuals who have achieved employment success or advancement through perseverance and determination.
Bentley Edwards, a U.S. Army veteran, came to Easterseals Redwood after returning to civilian life and facing challenges finding employment. Despite difficult circumstances, Bentley never gave up. He secured a great job, became one of his company’s top salespeople, earned his master’s degree, and is now pursuing a PhD in Theology. Today, Bentley serves fellow veterans through his work and continues to build a future rooted in purpose and service.
Independence Award: Karena Girten
The Independence Award celebrates individuals who take on new challenges and achieve meaningful life goals.
Through Easterseals Redwood’s Career Connections program, Karena Girten achieved her goal of working in IT. A driven and positive young woman, Karena put in the hard work, graduated from Warren County Career Center, and has since been promoted in her career. She credits Easterseals Redwood with providing the opportunities and support she needed to complete her education without debt and confidently step into her future.
Outstanding Community Partner: The Farmer Family Foundation
The Brighter Futures Celebration also honors a community partner whose generosity has created lasting impact—and in 2025, that honor went to The Farmer Family Foundation.
Their longstanding support has helped make so much possible at Easterseals Redwood, including the launch of Building Value, the expansion of our Military and Veterans program, and the creation of our Walnut Hills facility. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and their continued belief in our mission and the people we serve.
