Michelle Kerr was recently awarded the Rotary Award for Excellence and Service to Humanity in recognition of her extraordinary commitment to serving justice-involved women through the Rotary Intersection to Care (ITC) program at the Shawnee County Jail in Topeka, KS. The ITC program was recently the feature article in the Rotarian magazine for the month of August. IPDG Chuck Udell for D5710 presented Michelle the award at the jail where she leads classes for women in the ITC program.
The Rotary Award for Excellence and Service to Humanity recognizes non-Rotarians and non-Rotaractors, including partners and spouses of Rotarians and Rotaractors, who have demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service through Rotary. Only one person in each district can win this award and not all people who are nominated receive it. There were only around 100 people worldwide who received this award for the 2025-2026 year.
Since June 24, 2024, Michelle has faithfully facilitated a weekly Movement and Meditation class for women participating in the ITC program. Through this work, she has created a safe, supportive space where women who have experienced trauma, instability, and loss of self-worth can begin to reconnect with their bodies, their strength, and their sense of identity.
Michelle’s approach is both intentional and deeply compassionate. Her classes combine physical movement with moments of meditation and reflection, encouraging participants to release stress, build confidence, and develop a renewed sense of self. What may appear to be a simple class is a powerful intervention that fosters healing, dignity, and hope at a critical point in these women’s lives.
The impact of Michelle’s work is best reflected in the voices of the women she serves. One participant shared:
“I look forward to Movement Meditation knowing I can let loose, let out pent-up energy at a flow that’s perfect for me, ending with a meditation that calms the energy and relaxes the mind.”
Another participant described her transformation:
“It helps me relax and feel free… It lets me release all of the frustration and stress that’s built up. My body is so relaxed by the time we are done. I feel like a whole new woman when I walk out of there… I will continue doing movement and meditation on the outside.”
A third participant shared:
"Movement & Meditation gives me the opportunity to work out my anxiety in a positive way. I cried during my first class because I felt so comfortable and my body was just ready to release what I was feeling."
Michelle’s service embodies Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self. She gives her time and talents not for recognition, but out of a sincere desire to make a meaningful difference.
Please help us congratulate Michelle Kerr for the Rotary Award for Excellence and Service to Humanity.
