Don Schierling of Denver, Colorado, is this year’s recipient of the National Journey Award from Everence Financial®.
The award recognizes Schierling for his stewardship related to his lifelong commitment to serving others, advocating for peace, justice and equality. Created in 2001, the Journey Award highlights what people of faith are doing as stewards of their God-given gifts.
Schierling’s desire to help others led him to Greece and Germany to build homes after the devastation of World War II.
After settling in Denver, he helped create a nonprofit dedicated to providing affordable, safe and accessible housing for older adults, people with low incomes and people with disabilities. Schierling served on the board of directors of that nonprofit, Brothers Development Inc., for 49 years.
Members of his home church, Glennon Heights Mennonite, nominated Schierling for the award, noting, “His career path represents his commitment to doing good in the world. Through his work and life choices, he has touched many people.”
After retiring from Regis University, where he taught ethics and helped create a learning program for working adults, Schierling and Elvira, his wife of 60 years, enjoyed traveling and spending time with family. Elvira (Ediger) Schierling died in August 2020 after a long illness.
As part of the award, Everence made a $5,000 contribution to Brothers Redevelopment Inc. in Denver, the charity of Schierling's choice. Everence presented Schierling with his award Sept. 26, 2020, at an outdoor reception at Glennon Heights Mennonite Church.
Regional award recipients
Everence also announces our regional Journey Award honorees, whose chosen charities each receive $500 from Everence:
- Mamo and Mary Ellen Dula, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
- Chris and Mary Beth Heatwole Moore, Harrisonburg, Virginia.
- Lee Turnbull, Tiffin, Iowa.
- Kevin Wilder, Hesston, Kansas.
- Kermit and Mary Weaver, Middlebury, Indiana.
- Melissa Adams, Raceland, Louisiana.
- James and Rachel Witmer, Alliance, Ohio.
- David Yoder, Harleysville, Pennsylvania.