General Press Release

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January 19, 2022



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Ottawa County recognized with two Social Justice Awards

Ottawa County is honored to announce that two offices have been recognized recognized with Social Justice Awards by the City of Holland's Human Relations Commission. 


* The Office of the Public Defender
* The Department of Public Health - Miles of Smiles Program

Social Justice Awards recognize individuals and organizations that exemplify the virtues of social justice by promoting equal opportunity and equal access for all residents in Housing, Education, Government/Community Relations, Health Services, Youth and Lifetime Achievement.

The *Office of the Public Defender* was honored for their work with impoverished individuals and people of color who are disproportionately represented as defendants in the criminal justice system. Additionally, the Public Defender assisted over 100 individuals expunge eligible criminal convictions. Ottawa County understands that some residents have made mistakes in their pasts, have served their sentences, and are on roads to better lives. Criminal records can put obstacles in paths for such residents and their families. Expungement can ease that burden so these residents can more easily find jobs, housing and other opportunities. 

The *Department of Public Health's Miles of Smiles* has provided dental care for 27 years, to underserved, financially-qualifying children. To date, the program has provided over 37,000 patient encounters, 22,000 fillings and 21,000 sealants reducing dental disease by 37%.

*The complete News Release from the City of Holland is available here [ [link removed] ].*

*The award ceremony took place on January 18 at Holland City Hall. View a recording of the event here. [ [link removed] ]*

Nicole Social Justice Award 2

Nichole Jongsma-Derks, Public Defender, accepts the award for her office from Bob Hamilton, retired Ottawa County Public Defender.

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Media Contacts:

Shannon Felgner, Communication Manager
[email protected] | O 616-738-4672 | M 616-610-4401

Nicole Jongsema-Derks, Public Defender
[email protected] | 616-939-4477

Alison Clark, Communication Specialist
[email protected] | 616-494-5597





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Ottawa County is located on Lake Michigan's spectacular freshwater coastline where nature is cherished and protected. More than the lakeshore, you'll find the people of Ottawa County friendly yet driven, working hard to succeed in charming downtown small businesses, at manufacturing hubs with global impact and on acres passed down from generations. We embrace creativity and believe that diversity makes us stronger. We resolve that our public services must be high-quality and cost-effective. We are innovative and never wait for someone to solve our problems for us. We are friendly neighbors chipping in, lending a hand and making sure you know Ottawa County is where you belong.

The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners: Chairperson Joe Moss | Vice-Chairperson Sylvia Rhodea | Gretchen Cosby | Roger Bergman | Lucy Ebel | Jacob Bonnema | Rebekah Curran | Roger Belknap | Kyle Terpstra | Doug Zylstra | Allison Miedema

Contact and district information for the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners is available at miOttawa.org. [ [link removed] ]

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Ottawa County | 12220 Fillmore Street | West Olive | Michigan | 49460 | 616-738-4000 | Contact Us <[email protected]>

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