ENGLEWOOD—An Englewood crossing guard tried to hold back tears as she shared how honored she felt by receiving a humanitarian award for her service to the community.
Yolanda Gray, born and raised in Englewood, was recognized for her work Friday by St. Bernard Hospital, 326 W. 64th St., which presented her with the 18th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Service Award.
Her ongoing dedication and commitment to improving the community and the children she watches every day, has not gone unnoticed, said president and CEO Charles Holland.
“When I was first notified, I didn’t t feel like I deserved this,” said Gray, who lives in Englewood. “I didn’t know people were watching me. I do what I do because that’s who I am, not because I am looking for anything,” she said.
Debra Higens, project manager at the Chicago Violence Reduction Strategy, said she met Gray two years ago at community meeting for the Extended Access Violence Initiative. She described Gray as a dedicated and caring public servant, known for doing more than simply helping the students safely cross. She will work late, she will wash their uniforms if they don’t have clean shirts and she has even purchased clothes for those who needed help, Higens said.
“Yolanda takes care and watches over one of the most important assets in this community, the children,” said Higens.
Besides that, Gray fights to ensure that her block is safe. That means dealing with the gangs. She has worked closely with Ald. Toni Foulkes (16th) to deal with the issues.
“Somebody has to fight for the community instead of telling or demanding somebody else to do it and I don’t do it boastfully, I do it quietly and I do it with prayer. God has put people into my life that has helped me to solve problems in my community,” she said.
Gray has had her vehicle vandalized, its windows smashed and the sides scratched up by gangs. Gang members have even urinated on her car. Despite all of this, Gray has continued to combat the violence in her neighborhood.
“She is a die-hard individual and she is dedicated like no other,” said Foulkes, who said that Gray is more than just a constituent, but also a friend.
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