The Traverse City Human Rights Commission has named Tom Bousamra the 2020 recipient of the Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award.

This year’s award ceremony, originally planned for March 2020, was postponed due to the pandemic. Bousamra has been presented with the award and was honored during Monday’s city commission meeting.

Bousamra is the President of Before, During, and After Incarceration (BDAI). He's served as a volunteer Catholic chaplain at the Grand Traverse County Jail for the past thirty-four years. He's a current member of the Family Partnership of Grand Traverse, a Deacon at St. Francis Catholic Church, and past chair of the St. Francis Peace and Justice Commission. Additionally, he was a secondary English teacher for forty years.

Bousamra helped to prepare those incarcerated for re-entry into our community through Life Skills Classes, Coaching/Mentoring programs, and Family Support Dinners. He's refurbished the jail library with new books and supported a clothing closet for those leaving incarceration. He's also advocated for improved mental health services, enrichment classes, and collaboration with other community organizations. Says one nominator, “Tom has a passion for those in need, whether the incarcerated, those experiencing homelessness, or people just needing a hand up. It is his heartfelt belief that all people have value and should be treated with dignity. Tom always sees the good in people and what they can accomplish.”

The Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award is named for longtime resident Sara Hardy, who helped give birth to the concept of a human rights organization in Traverse City. The Human Rights Commission aims to promote mutual understanding and respect among all people and to discourage discriminatory practices. The recipient of the award is selected by the Human Rights Commission for embodying the ideals and goals of the organization.