The video records the 2014 Jack Callahan Cornerstone Award ceremony, presented by Goodwill of the Southern Piedmont and hosted by longtime Carolina news personality Jack Callahan. The award honors individuals who have devoted their lives to providing opportunities and services for people facing disadvantages. The 2014 recipient is Darren (Darrin) Ash, former Executive Director of Charlotte Family Housing, recognized for his extensive work with homeless and disabled populations. The segment includes a brief biography of Jack Callahan, testimonials from a former client of Charlotte Family Housing and from colleagues who describe Ash’s servant‑leadership style, and an acceptance speech by Ash in which he thanks his family, staff, and fellow community leaders Stephen Smith and Michael Elder. The narrative emphasizes humility, community‑centered service, and the impact of organizations like Charlotte Family Housing (which assisted nearly 900 people the previous year) and Goodwill in fostering hope and rehabilitation for disadvantaged individuals.
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Good evening, I'm Jack Callahan for Eyewitness News.
Jack Callahan, longtime Carolina news personality, devoted much of his time to helping those with disabilities live better lives. Stricken with polio as an adult, Jack worked as an advocate for others who faced barriers. Today, the Jack Callahan Cornerstone Award is given to a leader who has devoted their life to providing opportunities and services for people facing disadvantages. That leader in 2014 is Darrin Ashe, former Executive Director of Charlotte Family Housing and longtime advocate for the disadvantaged.
Try not to shed no tears. Charlotte Family Housing have gave me hope, resources, shelter, Financial assistance and a great understanding that I am not alone in this world. I have a degree in sociology, minor criminal justice. Never thought I would be homeless. My world was going so good. My social worker said, you know, we have a guy named Darren Ash. He can help assist you, tell you what you need to do, how to change your resume. I met with him one-on-one. And I open up, because it's very hard for me to open up to people, and he's a genuine guy.
Charlotte Family Housing helped almost 900 people like Jonette last year, inspired by the passion of Darren Ash.
I've seen him, you know, work with families, cry with families, clean out garages, and do all kinds of things that really model servant leadership. Not just verbally, but with his hands in the mix completely.
Darren is such a great role model, and he doesn't see himself as a role model, and that's, that's kind of the beauty. He is, he's very humble. When you're able to have your mind on somebody else, that's a healthy state of living. Instead of your mind on yourself. And again, when I look at the people that I most admire, they're other-centered.
Goodwill of the Southern Piedmont is proud to name Darren Ash as the Jack Callahan Cornerstone Award winner for 2014. Thank you, Erica.
I appreciate that. I am so honored to receive this amazing award named after Jack Callahan. He was such an inspirational champion for those facing, you know, severe barriers and those with special needs. My friends and family are here, so I want to thank them for really not belly laughing out loud right now, because they know the true knucklehead that I really am. I'm anything but an award winner. And my Charlotte Family Housing family is here, and if I could just please ask the staff to stand up for a second. Amongst all of those wonderful women is one lone male, named Stephen Smith, who is the executive director. And Stephen is a very close friend and a true servant leader. And speaking of servant leaders, I don't know what else I can say about Michael Elder that this community doesn't already know, but if you'll let me share real quick a short story That I think kind of captures some of Michael's character. And this story took place kind of during a dark time for Goodwill. It was a time when a disgruntled ex-employee had set fire to their South Boulevard store. And obviously the staff was emotional and they were angry. And Michael gathered the staff in a large room, and he told them to look deep inside their hearts and to forgive this ex-employee the way God forgives us. He told them that he hoped that we're not all judged by the worst thing we ever do in life. And there was obviously a lot of tears in the room, a lot of emotion. from Michael's talk, but he showed the way for healing, and he showed the way to rebuild. So Michael, you are my hero and a true servant leader, and I can't thank you enough for this award, and I just feel so blessed to receive it. Thank you.
