Jeannie Malek Honored with 2026 Judge Terry Thompson Prevention Award

ONTARIO, Ore. – An evening devoted to celebrating recovery also provided an opportunity to recognize the people working every day to help prevent addiction and build healthier futures throughout the community. During Hands Around the Park: Celebrate Recovery 2026 at Lions Park in Ontario, Lifeways and the Malheur County Prevention Coalition recognized nominees for the 2026 Judge Terry Thompson Prevention Memorial Award. The award honors the memory and prevention work of Judge Terry Thompson while recognizing individuals who continue that spirit of service within the community. As the nominees were introduced, organizers emphasized that prevention work often happens quietly and behind the scenes. 'These hardworking folks are working every day in the field of prevention to help people avoid the struggles of addiction,' those gathered were told. 'Without asking for recognition, they work behind the scenes and just do their jobs because it's what they do and who they are.' The 2026 nominees included Channa Williams, Erin Fernandez, Debbie Eiler, Steven Wolff, Tabor Pence, Jeannie Malek and Lisa Almaraz. Each was recognized for the part they play in prevention and in helping people within the community. Then it was time to announce this year's recipient. Lindsay Nieskens explained that the Judge Terry Thompson Prevention Memorial Award represents many of the qualities Thompson brought to his work, including a belief in second chances, the importance of prevention, and treating people with dignity and respect. She described this year's recipient as someone who shares those qualities: a person who consistently shows up, brings positivity with her and is quick to offer her time, resources and support whenever there is a worthy cause. Perhaps one of the most telling examples came when the recipient learned she had been nominated. Her response was that there were many other people who were more deserving. That humility, organizers said, was one more reason she deserved the honor. The 2026 Judge Terry Thompson Prevention Memorial Award was presented to Jeannie Malek. Malek accepted the award surrounded by members of a community that knows firsthand the work she does and the heart she brings to it. The recognition was a fitting part of Hands Around the Park. While much of the evening focused on celebrating people in recovery and reminding them that they do not walk that road alone, the award also recognized another important part of the effort, the people working upstream to prevent addiction and other struggles whenever possible. The nominees may represent different organizations, jobs and roles within the community, but they share something important: a willingness to show up for others. And sometimes the people making the greatest difference are exactly the people who aren't looking for an award. Congratulations to Jeannie Malek, recipient of the 2026 Judge Terry Thompson Prevention Memorial Award, and to each of this year's nominees for the work they continue to do for our community.