Richfield, MN

Human Rights Commission names Joe Carr Outstanding Citizen for 2023

Please join the Richfield Human Rights Commission in presenting the Gene and Mary Jacobsen Outstanding Citizen Award to Joe Carr. There will be an awards ceremony on June 27^th, at 6 p.m. at the Richfield Municipal Center, 6700 Portland Ave.

The Gene and Mary Jacobsen Outstanding Citizen Award, one of the most prestigious awards in Richfield, is awarded to a family, group, organization, business, or individual that lives or works in Richfield who has shown outstanding community service, a commitment to human rights, or efforts to improve our community and make it a better place for all. The winner of the award is selected by the Richfield Human Rights Commission every April.

Joseph (Joe) Carr is this year’s winner. Joe, 20 years old, is a well-known figure in Richfield and the Twin Cities. Joe, a lifetime resident of Richfield, and proud product of Richfield Schools has been a friend and advocate for his fellow students throughout his academic career. Joe’s charismatic personality, sense of humor and determination has been an inspiration to those around him.

Joe who has Cerebral Palsy (CP), has been a tireless advocate for those with CP and other disabilities. Joe, his mother Kristi, his father Mike, and sister Eleanor have proven to a force to reckon with in their tireless advocacy to expand opportunities for those with specific needs.

Joe and his family have been tireless supporters of the Gillette Childrens’ Hospital. Through his lemonade stand, a fixture of the neighborhood, he has raised over $40,000 to benefit patients and their families over the past five years.

Outside of Joe commitment to those in need, Joe was crowned “King” of his senior class and is a staple at all the high school football and basketball games. He’s an enthusiastic adapted sports athlete (hockey, skiing, soccer, horseback riding, softball) and now participates in adapted running events. Now only does Joe participate, he uses his social media to raise thousands of dollars online to ensure these activities are available to everyone in the community.

Bill Aberg, who nominated Joe for this award said of him “There are few I know who are as committed to promoting the human rights of those with physical and cognitive disabilities” and “Joe’s been such an inspiration”. Mr. Aberg feels that by awarding the Jacobsen Outstanding Citizen Award to Joe, we can continue to help inspire other to realize their full potential, even if they themselves, don’t yet realize it was there. Joe is the personification of his own motto: “Never give up on your dreams.”