Staff reports
ROCHESTER — Hope on Haven Hill announced on Wednesday that Executive Director and Co-Founder Kerry Norton has been named the inaugural recipient of the Award of Character, a national honor presented by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in partnership with USA Today.
The award was created to honor the legacy of Pro Football Hall of Famer Walter "Sweetness" Payton and recognize individuals whose lives and work embody compassion, service, integrity, and commitment to their communities.
In May, a production crew traveled to Rochester to surprise Norton at Hope on Haven Hill with the award. Joining the presentation were Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Tippett and Brittney Payton, daughter of Walter Payton. The moment was captured as part of a national feature highlighting Norton's work and the impact of Hope on Haven Hill.
Founded in 2016, Hope on Haven Hill provides comprehensive treatment and recovery support for pregnant and parenting women affected by substance use disorder. The organization has helped hundreds of women and children find stability, healing, and hope while building stronger futures for their families.
While the award recognizes Norton's leadership, she was quick to emphasize that the honor belongs to the entire Hope on Haven Hill community.
"This recognition belongs to every mother who chose recovery, every graduate who continues to inspire us with her resilience, every child whose future has been changed” Norton said.
What made the recognition especially meaningful, Norton noted, was the opportunity to shine a national spotlight on the women and families served by Hope on Haven Hill.
"Their courage, determination, and commitment to building brighter futures are the true story," she said.
The Award of Character was inspired by Walter Payton's enduring commitment to helping others and was established by his children, Brittney and Jarrett Payton, to celebrate individuals making extraordinary contributions in their communities across the country.
In Wednesday's press release, Hope on Haven Hill extended its gratitude to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, USA Today, Payton Productions, Jarrett and Brittney Payton, and everyone involved in creating this recognition program.
To watch a short video of the presentation last month at Hope on Haven HIll click here.
About Hope on Haven Hill
Hope on Haven Hill is a nonprofit organization based in Rochester, New Hampshire, dedicated to supporting pregnant and parenting women affected by substance use disorder through treatment, recovery housing, family support services, and community-based care. Its mission is to provide women and their children with the opportunity to heal, thrive, and build healthy futures together.
A New Hampshire Press Association member