Community Hospice & Palliative Care honored two Gainesville men at its 2025 Community Servant’s Heart Award Ceremony held on Thursday, June 26, at The Village at Gainesville.

Jacob Atem and Tracey Brown were celebrated at the event, along with the late Shirley Bloodworth, who was honored in memoriam for her work.

According to a press release, “the Community Servant’s Heart Award recognizes individuals whose actions reflect loyalty, compassion, and a transformative dedication to the communities they serve.”

Guests gathered at the ceremony to pay tribute to the two honorees and the legacy of Bloodworth, a healthcare pioneer and advocate for senior well-being and civic engagement in Gainesville.

Atem, one of the original Lost Boys of Sudan, is a global public health advocate and co-founder of the Southern Sudan Healthcare Organization. He survived a traumatic childhood marked by war, displacement and adversity, and has channeled his experience into a career that advances refugee health, advocates for underserved populations and educates future public health professionals.

Brown, a housing strategist and local community advocate, has played a prominent role in transforming lives in Gainesville. From his leadership with the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and frontline work with Grace Marketplace, he has helped more than 1,000 individuals secure stable housing. Brown has also championed youth mentorship and reentry support for formerly incarcerated individuals.

The award was presented in memory of Bloodworth, a trailblazing nurse, educator, and civic leader whose decades of work enriched the lives of countless seniors. Her leadership at the Citizens Coalition on Aging, her advocacy for advance care planning, and her dedication to community education set a standard of service that continues to inspire.