Kenosha WI, (January 16, 2023) Tamara Coleman was honored at the Gateway Technical College’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration held on Monday, January 16th in the Madrigrano Conference Center on the college’s Kenosha Campus. She received one of this year’s Dr. King Humanitarian awards, recognizing her for contributions and dedication to the community and her volunteerism.

“Tamarra Coleman is a powerhouse in the Kenosha community. I see her at many functions throughout the week, working tirelessly to advance the needs of the most vulnerable parts of our community,” stated Coleman’s nominator. “She said something to me that has always stuck with me: ‘The people we work for are in need. They are not needy.’”

Coleman is the executive director of the Shalom Center in Kenosha. She also serves as board chairperson for the Kenosha County Health Center/Pillar Health, board member of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance and board member for Building Our Future, among other groups that provide services for the underserved in Kenosha County.

“Tamarra has demonstrated a unique ability to work with Board Members, Government Agencies, Employees, Donors and Clients; all with equal effectiveness,” stated Wes Ricchio, Shalom Board Treasurer. “She personifies all the qualities that this award signifies.”

Also receiving awards this year were and Scott Terry and his Mahogany Gallery and Cultural Center along with UW Parkside music professor James Kinchen. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award is an annual effort the college undertakes to honor those individuals and groups who work to support the community and exemplify Dr. King’s values.

Shalom Center is a 501(C)3 in Kenosha County serving as the only homeless shelter, largest food pantry, and longest running nightly meal program. Shalom Center is a community resource that provides housing, food, guidance, and support to individuals and families in need across our community. Our mission is simple: serve the community through food, shelter and supportive ways. We believe that this mission will help realize a greater vision: self-sufficiency by maximizing the potential of people we serve