About 300 people, including elected officials from local, state and federal governments, gathered Thursday in San Bernardino to celebrate the Time For Change Foundation's third annual Awards Luncheon.

The ceremony at the National Orange Show Events Center honored two individuals - Arlene Lewis and John Futch - and one organization, Soroptimist International of Baldy View.

Lewis, who is chief of staff for her husband, Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Redlands, was awarded the foundation's Humanitarian Award for her work over the years in bringing new facilities for youth, like the Lewis Center for Educational Research in Apple Valley and the Boys and Girls Club in Redlands, to her husband's 41st Congressional District.

"I'm very proud of the work that she does," said Jerry Lewis. "She is the reason our office is successful."

Futch was awarded the (James) Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion Award for his charity work through the years with local nonprofit organizations like the Home of Neighborly Services, Central City Lutheran Mission and African American Health Initiative.

Futch, who has received disability benefits since suffering an injury as a Washington police officer in his 20s, said he volunteers to pay back his debt to society.
"The only way I can pay it back is to take on more responsibilities," Futch said, "and to help others and become a better person myself."

Soroptimist International of Baldy View - a Rancho Cucamonga-based volunteer organization that works to improve the lives of women and young girls - was awarded the foundation's Community Service Award.

The foundation held the awards luncheon as a fund-raiser. Founded by Kim Carter, the foundation relies almost solely on private donations to fund its transitional housing, drug- and alcohol-treatment, and mental health treatment programs for women.

Many of the women who enroll in Time For Change enter the program homeless, as an addict or just after leaving prison.

The foundation's programs are geared toward helping women rebuild their lives and become independent, productive citizens.

"It's especially hard for those who are starting off with nothing - harder yet for women who have strikes against them like addictions or criminal records," said Ellen Timothy, a member of the foundation's board of directors. "Everyone gets richer, though, when they give to a wonderful cause that helps others."