Larry (LJ) Hearn Selected as the 2025 Recipient of the Richard E. Herman Leadership Award
Larry (LJ) Hearn Selected as the 2025 Recipient of the Richard E. Herman Leadership Award
Itasca, Ill. – We Raise Foundation is pleased to announce that Larry (LJ) Hearn has been selected as the 2025 Richard E. Herman Leadership Award honoree. The Leadership Award recognizes the commitment and service of one leader whose professional or volunteer efforts are helping under-resourced individuals and communities in the United States thrive.
Hearn currently serves as a Career Advisor at Fathers & Families Support Center (FFSC) in St. Louis, an organization committed to improving the lives of children and families by preparing fathers and mothers to be responsible, engaged parents. FFSC works to break cycles of poverty, child neglect, and welfare dependence by equipping parents with financial stability, parenting skills, and emotional support. In his role, Hearn helps participants overcome employment barriers and achieve lasting success, guided by his own belief in the transformative power of hope and faith.
Beyond his professional role, Hearn is actively engaged in the St. Louis community through multiple organizations. He has contributed as a Spoken Word Poet with Saint Louis Story Stitchers, a nationally recognized collective using the arts to address youth violence and foster community healing. He also serves as a Resident Volunteer with A Seat at the Table, offering encouragement and support to participants, and as an advisory board member with the Nonprofit Marketers Network-STL, a professional association dedicated to advancing nonprofit communications.
Hearn is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, further equipping himself to lead and inspire positive change.
“Being chosen for the Richard E. Herman Leadership Award is an incredible honor that reminds me of the verse, ‘Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord’ (1 Corinthians 15:58),” said Hearn. “It is both humbling and affirming to know that my efforts and leadership are making an impact, and I’m grateful to be recognized among so many dedicated leaders.”
As the recipient of this award, Hearn will receive a cash award of $4,000.
The Leadership Award was established in honor of Dr. Richard Herman, We Raise Foundation’s fourth president (2006-2015), a passionate supporter and encourager of young adult Christian leaders.
About We Raise Foundation
Motivated by the belief that freedom is grace in action (Galatians 5:1a), We Raise Foundation funds innovative ideas and leaders that help individuals and communities thrive. We have a preference for funding solutions within the areas of education, workforce development, and reentry, and employ a unique approach to our investing by coupling program funding with a variety of robust value-added services that empower our grantees to grow their solutions. As a result of these value-added services, every $1 that donors invest through We Raise multiplies into more than double the benefit to the organizations we support. To learn more, please visit weraise.org. You can also find We Raise on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
