Guardian of the Mission Award
The Guardian of the Mission Award represents SHP’s highest recognition for service excellence
History of the Award
Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s Guardian of the Mission Award represents the organization’s highest recognition for exceptional service and dedication to ensuring no child sleeps on the floor. Established in 2020 to honor founding board member Heather Allen’s legacy, this annual award celebrates individuals who embody the core values and mission of SHP through their outstanding contributions to the organization and their communities.
The award recognizes recipients who demonstrate:
- Unwavering commitment to SHP’s mission
- Exceptional leadership and community impact
- Innovation in serving children and families in need
- Dedication to mentoring and supporting other chapters
- Personal investment in organizational growth
The Legacy of Heather Allen
When Heather Allen co-founded the Boise Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace in 2013, she transformed what could have been a simple bed delivery service into a deeply human mission of care and dignity. Drawing from her background in elementary education and experience at the Women and Children’s Center, Heather recognized that providing a bed was just the beginning—it was the human connection that made the real difference.
While SHP’s founders and volunteers focused on building beds, Heather developed the heart of SHP’s mission. She created a compassionate application process that prioritized listening to families’ stories, understanding their struggles, and treating each interaction with empathy and respect. “It was about so much more than the bed,” Heather observed. “It’s the vetting component that makes the whole experience much more intimate, much more human.”
As a founding board member, Heather’s influence shaped every aspect of SHP’s growth, from risk management to volunteer safety, always putting the mission first. Her legacy lives on through the Heather Allen Guardian of the Mission Award, established in 2020 to recognize those who embody her spirit of service.
Past Recipients
2024
Bob and Ingrid Hirschi
Since joining SHP in January 2019, Bob Hirschi has transformed the Chattanooga chapter through his dedication to excellence and passionate commitment to community service. His leadership has inspired countless volunteers and donors to join SHP’s mission.
2023
Lisa & Scott Foster
The Fosters joined SHP in March of 2018, and brought with them a desire and heart to serve their community in a positive way. Lisa has been an SHP ambassador from the start, selflessly serving the SHP chapters to ensure they have the tools needed to faithfully serve their communities.
2022
Tommy & Valerie Goodman
Who transformed Gadsden, Alabama with their service.
2021
Amy Andrew
Whose dedication inspired nationwide growth.
2020
JP Wilson
Our inaugural recipient who set the standard for chapter leadership.
The Award Process
The nominating Committee is made up of past recipients and chapter presidents who nominate individuals, the SHP Senior Directors narrow the list down to three nominees who are then passed to the SHP Board of Directors to select a winner.
The intent of the award is to inclusively celebrate someone whose actions and commitment are felt to represent all of us, rather than a singular exceptional, individual action.
The Guardian of the Mission Award ensures that Heather’s vision—where every bed delivery is an opportunity to show care, respect, and human kindness—continues to guide SHP’s future.